Kwanzaa

A little lesson in history (from My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz)...

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday first celebrated in 1966 and developed by Dr Maulana Karenga. It is based on harvest celebrations traced back to ancient African civilizations. Kwanzaa is Swahili for "first fruits". Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. Each day honors a different Nguzo Saba or the seven principles. Africans and African Americans of different religions and backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa. There is a Kinara (wooden candle holder) which holds seven candles (3 red, 1 black, 3 green), each lit one by one on each of the seven days so that on the 7th day they all are lit.

Today is the first day of the Kwanzaa Holiday. The center black candle is to be lit. Today represents Umoja (Swahili for Unity). Today is the day to spend time with friends, family, and neighbors.

Stay tuned for more!