Kwanzaa

In 1966 the first Kwanzaa was celebrated, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a means of uniting the African-American community while honoring their African roots.  Kwanzaa is now celebrated by millions of African-Americans and Africans all over the world.  Kwanzaa lasts seven days beginning December 26 and utilizes the Pan-African language of Swahili to help spread its mission of uplifting the Black community.  Click here for an overview of Kwanzaa.

Seven Principles, Seven Symbols

The Mishumaa Saba (Seven Candles) and Kinara (Candle Holder) pictured to your right are very important symbols in Kwanzaa.  The candles themselves represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and in turn are one of the Seven Symbols.  These principles and symbols interact in the Kwanzaa festivities and rituals to offer a spiritual and practical basis for the lives of the Kwanzaa participants.

Food!  Festivities!  Music!

What celebration would be complete without them?  And Kwanzaa has them in abundance!  Through drums, African songs, dance, gifts and delicious foods, African-American families and friends come together to rejoice in unity.  Check out Chandra Washington's Quick and Easy Steamed Greens Kwanzaa Recipe.  And, of course, we've got some music for you:

• Kwanzaa Time (an original Kwanzaa composition written by Chandra Washington especially for the Circle of Light CD)

• Ise Oluwa (a Nigerian invocation)

• Funga Alafia (a Swahili welcoming song)

• Siyahamba (a South African welcoming song)   

Kwanzaa links!