Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26, 2004 to January 1, 2005.
Kwanzaa, a seven-day
holiday, is a family and community strengthening
observance based on traditional African harvest festivals. The word
Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanzaa" which means "first fruits of the harvest."
Celebrated by an estimated 15 million people December 26-January 1,
Kwanzaa is a time of thanksgiving for the accomplishments of the year ending
(or the fruits of our labor) while projecting new growth
into the year ahead. For African Americans, it is a time for
reaffirming the holistic value system of African heritage,
for paying homage to ancestors and elders. It is also a time for
enjoying the blessings of the children while preparing them for
the future.
The Nguzo Saba provided the foundation for the
Kwanzaa holiday. These are the seven principles:
- Umoja (Unity) - 12/26
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - 12/27
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - 12/28
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - 12/29
- Nia (Purpose) - 12/30
- Kuumba (Creativity) - 12/31
- Imani (Faith) - 1/1
According to Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, the philosophy of the holiday is built around:
- An ingathering of the people
- A reverence of the creator and creation--nature and humanity,
- A commemoration of the past - history, heroes, and heritage and
- A commitment to our highest ideals
Kwanzaa : A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture - Chambuzi: "Maulana Karenga's most recent work on the celebration of Kwanzaa he created in 1966, is simply the best work on the holiday. In fact, of the three books that Dr. Karenga has written, this text is the authoritative work on the history, origins and practices of Kwanzaa. Dr. Karenga created his cultural nationalist philosophy, Kawaida (tradition in Kiswhalli), in 1965, along with his organization US and is one of the leading Afrocentric writers today. Dr. Karenga's Kawaida philosophy and Nguzo Saba (7 principles) have influenced the development of independent Black schools, rites of passage programs, social service programs using the 7 principles, Afrocentric thought and practice, development of African wedding ceremonies--Akika, naming ceremonies--Akika and funerals--Maziko,the creation of independent Black organizations utilizing aspects of his philosophy and Black Studies programs on college campuses all use his other definitive text, Black Studies. In a word, Maulana Karenga is the most important "independent" thinker in modern African American intellecual history."
Kwanzaa : Everything You Always Wanted to Know but Didn't Know Where to Ask - According to the most reliable estimates, over 13 million Americans observe Kwanzaa (December 26th January 1st) Yet, in spite of these impressive numbers, confusion still surrounds this most unusual holiday.
My First Kwanzaa Book - During the last week of December, Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather together with relatives from all over the country. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage.
The Rugrats' First Kwanzaa - It's a special time of year and Susie's family is celebrating Kwanzaa for the first time. Aunt T tells Susie that part of Kwanzaa is about honoring great people. But Susie doesn't feel like she's great, and it takes her Aunt T to remind her just how special she really is. Share Kwanzaa with Susie and her favorite friends.
The Children's Book of Kwanzaa : A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday - Each year on December 26, the African American holiday of Kwanzaa begins. What is the purpose of Kwanzaa? How did it get its start? Dolores Johnson's easy-to-follow guide gives detailed descriptions of Kwanzaa's principles and symbols. This comprehensive resource also includes recipes and craft and gift ideas, as well as suggestions to help young readers and their families create their own special Kwanzaa celebration.