What Is Kwanzaa?
Whether it’s spelled Kwanzaa or Kwanza, the name for this holiday comes from a Swahili phrase, “Matunda ya Kwanza.” When translated into English, the phrase means “First fruits of the harvest.” Or, more simply, “First Fruits.” The extra “a” was added so that the name would have a symbolic seven letters.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a nonreligious alternative to Christmas, although the two can be celebrated simultaneously. It is a specifically African-American holiday and ritual intended to welcome the first harvest into the home.
Dr. Karenga chose the East African language of Swahili to represent Kwanzaa, as Swahili is a language that is not defined by a particular African tribe or region. Although many modern celebrants don’t speak Swahili, the language choice continues to reflect the symbol of Pan-Africanism, a movement large in the 60s to strengthen the bond of solidarity between those of African descent.
Dr. Karenga was inspired to create the holiday after reading accounts of the Zulu First Fruits festival, celebrated in December and January. The holiday was intended to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by introducing the study of African traditions and Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of African Heritage.
Being a major figure in the Black Power movement, Dr. Karenga believed “you must have a cultural revolution before the violent revolution. The cultural revolution gives identity, purpose, and direction.”
Only 2% of African Americans today celebrate the holiday. Of the remaining 98%, the majority don’t even know the history or meaning of the celebration.
“Kwanzaa fell ‘out of style’ as the years passed,” says local AV grandfather Dan Winston. “Kwanzaa is most certainly a cultural revolution. Black people have always been condemned to follow the traditions of our oppressors, so to have a holiday that celebrates blackness is a spiritual and cultural awakening that youths should know about and bring back.”
A common misconception surrounding the holiday is that it is a knockoff Hannukah. While the two holidays do have some similarities, Kwanzaa celebrations last for 7 days, beginning on December 26 and ending on January 1. Hannukah celebrations, on the other hand, last for 8 days.
Those who celebrate Kwanzaa will light a Kinara, which holds 7 candles. One candle is black, three are red, and the final three are green. These colors represent the people, the struggle, and the future. And the candles themselves represent the seven principles of Nguzo Saba: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).
Other important symbols for the holiday include a mat (mkeka) on which other symbols are placed, mazao (crops), muhindi (corn, which a very important for decoration and dining), a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors, and zawadi (gifts).
In addition to its decorations, symbolism, and deep history, Kwanzaa also features a feast known as Karamu. During this feast, celebrants will follow outlined steps including welcoming, remembering, rejoicing, and farewell.
The holiday also has a short period of gift giving, although this is not the focus of the holiday. These gifts are usually homemade and symbolize a shared belief around African American heritage and values.
Kwanzaa is a holiday deeply rooted in the history, culture, and solidarity of the African diaspora. Although it is clearly a holiday created for African Americans, other races and ethnic groups are more than welcome to participate in the Kwanzaa rituals.
