Meaning: the seven candles that represent the seven principlesДЄction: A different candle is lit each day.

Meaning: the candleholder, which holds seven candlesДЄction: It said to symbolize stalks of corn that branch off to form new stalks, much as the human family is created.ДЄction: These remind celebrants of the harvest fruits that nourished the people of Africa. Before drinking, each person says 'harambee,' or 'let's pull together.' The Seven Symbols of KwanzaaДЄction: Celebrants drink from this cup in honor of their African ancestors. At the heart of Kwanzaa imagery, however, are the seven symbols. The Seven SymbolsД¬elebrants decorate with red, black, and green as well as African-style textiles and art. Green is for the fertile land of Africa black is for the color of the people and red is the for the blood that is shed in the struggle for freedom. These three colors were important symbols in ancient Africa that gained new recognition through the efforts of Marcus Garvey's Black Nationalist movement. Celebrants enjoy traditional African dishes as well as those featuring ingredients Africans brought to the United States, such as sesame seeds (benne), peanuts (groundnuts), sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spicy sauces.Д®specially at karamu, Kwanzaa is celebrated with red, black, and green. Karamu may be held at a home, community center, or church. Meaning: collective work and responsibilityДЄction: helping others within the communityДЄction: supporting businesses that care about the communityДЄction: setting goals that benefit the communityДЄction: making the community better and more beautifulДЄction: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future Colorful CelebrationsДЇamilies gather for the great feast of karamu on December 31. The Principles of KwanzaaДЄction: building a community that holds togetherДЄction: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community During Kwanzaa, celebrants greet each other with 'Habari gani,' or 'What's the news?' The principles of Kwanzaa form the answers. These principles are believed to have been key to building strong, productive families and communities in Africa. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba)Д®ach of the seven days of Kwanzaa honors a different principle.

The name comes from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza,' which means 'first fruits of the harvest.' Karenga chose a phrase from Swahili because the language is used by various peoples throughout Africa. Kwanzaa is based on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place in many different African cultures for thousands of years. At this time of great social change for African Americans, Karenga sought to design a celebration that would honor African heritage and the values of African cultures, and inspire African Americans who were working for progress. He is now a professor of Africana Studies at California State University. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It is estimated that some 18 million African Americans take part in Kwanzaa. The year 2016 will see the 50th annual Kwanzaa, the African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Honoring African heritage and cultural values Related Links

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