For many of us, the holiday season is less about giving and receiving gifts and more about finding moments to enjoy the simple things that bring us joy—like family, friends, and quality time together. However, some people might be unaware of the different ways to celebrate this joyful season. Around this time of year, you may hear your peers talk about Kwanzaa or hear the greeting “Habari Gani”.
Before we go into how to celebrate this holiday, let’s learn a little about its history. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist and professor, Kwanzaa is a non-religious, week-long holiday celebrating African-American culture, community, and heritage, focusing on the seven principles known as Nguzo Saba. It was established after the 1965 Watts Rebellion in Los Angeles to promote cultural identity and Black pride. Inspired by traditional African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa incorporates elements from various African cultures, with its name originating from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits.” By using Swahili as the language of the holiday, this tradition symbolizes Pan-Africanism.
Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26th to January 1st. During this time, families gather each day to discuss the day’s principle, share memories and food, and learn about their family history. If you’re interested in trying this holiday, GU offers a detailed beginner’s guide to celebrating Kwanzaa. You’ll start by decorating your home with key symbols and objects, such as a woven mat called a mkeka, which serves as a base. While decorating, you should arrange Kwanzaa symbols on the mat, including a fruit basket, crops called mazao representing the harvest, a unity cup known as kikombe cha umoja, and an ear of corn for each child, called vibunzi—especially if you plan to celebrate with younger siblings.
Next, place a kinara—a seven-branched candleholder—on the mat with the seven candles known as Mishumaa Saba. Each day features a candle-lighting ritual, where the black candle is lit first and then used to light the other candles for that day. This candleholder holds one black candle in the center, three red candles to its left, and three green candles to its right.
On the first day of Kwanzaa, a child or an adult lights the black candle to emphasize Umoja, or unity. This day invites us to maintain unity in the family and community. Achieving this can involve pledging togetherness with your family through cultural activities like movies and games, as well as community service, and focusing on mentoring to foster personal growth and a shared sense of purpose.
Kujichagulia, the second day of Kwanzaa, symbolizes self-determination. The purpose of this day is to define ourselves, speak for ourselves, and create for ourselves. On this day, you will light the first red candle to the left of the black candle. This is a perfect time to shape your own destiny by creating vision boards, exploring the African diaspora through research on figures who inspire you or embody your values, and setting personal goals.
On day three, Kwanzaa focuses on Ujima, known as collective work and responsibility, which involves building and maintaining our community together by being our brother’s or sister’s keeper. This is when the first green candle to the right of the black candle is lit. This principle can be applied year-round through volunteering and fostering family discussions on shared responsibilities for home improvements.
Ujamaa symbolizes the second red candle to be lit. It emphasizes the importance of building and supporting our own stores and businesses by backing Black- and minority-owned businesses, starting your own business, and having family discussions about financial goals. On day five, Nia, or purpose, is highlighted to show that having an individual purpose isn’t enough; instead, each person should commit to a goal that helps restore the community. As you light the second green candle on this day, consider writing letters to your future self and talking with elders to learn from their experiences.
On the sixth day, Kuumba symbolizes creativity, which involves lighting the third red candle and doing as much as we can to serve the collective. This day should be focused on using creativity to beautify your community by making Kwanzaa crafts, writing poems, and learning a new instrument in an effort to leave your community better than you found it.
Finally, on the seventh day, the final green candle is lit, focusing on faith, often called Imani. The week-long celebration concludes with encouraging one another to believe wholeheartedly in our people, our leaders, and the victory and righteousness of our struggle. This day’s celebration often includes setting intentions to uphold the Kwanzaa principles, making new commitments for the new year, and hosting a large feast with family and friends—known as the Feast of Karamu—focusing on gift exchanging with handmade items or educational gifts that honor African heritage, often called Zawadi. If you’re wondering what to cook for this feast, Kwanzaa’s global influence is reflected in modern Southern, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisines, such as Creole, jerk, and African-inspired dishes.
Although Kwanzaa is an annual celebration, you can honor its principles year-round. Try listening to African American podcasts that discuss local and national issues, plan or attend a family reunion, or go on a historical family field trip.