There are lots of different cultural holidays in December, from Christmas to Hannukah, but one holiday you may not know about is Kwanzaa - a week-long celebration of African and African American history! Find out more in All About Kwanzaa!
What is Kwanzaa? 2y504a
Kwanzaa is a celebration of Christmas or Hannukah, Kwanzaa leads up to a day with of feasting and giving gifts among family . The first Kwanzaa was celebrated in 1966.
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st
How to Celebrate 4f5u5k
To celebrate Kwanzaa people decorate their homes with colorful African cloth and art, and Kwanzaa ceremonies usually involve showing respect for ancestors. Traditional decorative Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat, upon which other symbols are placed: corn to represent crops, a kinara (African Heritage or "Nguzu Saba" are:
- Umoja (Unity)
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
- Ujamma (Sharing)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
The Kinara holds seven candles, which each represent a different principle
Kwanzaa Quick Facts 402156
- Although Kwanzaa was meant as an alternative to Christmas, many people celebrate both
- There is a documentary about Kwanzaa called The Black Candle
- Around 2 million people in America observe Kwanzaa
- Kwanzaa may be catching on in other countries like Brazil, Canada and Portugal
- American Kwanzaa stamps were created in 1997 and 2004
- Some people wear traditional African clothing to celebrate, like Dashikis and Kaftans
Have Your Say 524a4n
Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Let us know in the comments section below.
