I’ve often seen Kwanzaa on calendars, but I’ve never spoken to anyone who celebrates it. Today I’m going to answer the questions about Kwanzaa that spring into my mind. (Yes, you can find all this information on Wikipedia, but here it is!)

When did Kwanzaa originate?

Kwanzaa was created in California in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an activist of the Black Power movement.

What does “Kwanzaa” mean?

The name “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza (“firstfruits”). Karenga added an extra “A” so the seven letters would fit the seven principles (see below).

Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday?

Kwanzaa is considered a secular holiday, but it clearly has spiritual overtones. It was inspired by traditional African harvest festivals. Karenga created it to be a specifically African-American holiday as an alternative to Christmas, since he considered Christianity a “White” religion. He later altered his position to be inclusive of practicing Christians.

How is Kwanzaa celebrated?

Kwanzaa takes place from December 26 to January 1, usually with a feast on December 31. Houses are decorated with African cloth, fresh fruits, and a candleholder called a kinara. Festivities include drumming, music, drinking from a common chalice, discussing a principle or chapter of African history, candle-lighting, and artistic performanaces. Kwanzaa was orignally meant to be celebrated separately from other holidays, but today some families celebrate it along with Christmas and New Years.

What do the seven candles represent?

They represent the seven principles developed by Karenga, which blend nationalist, pan-African, and socialist values.

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
• Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

In addition, the black candle represents Black people, the three red candles represent their struggle, and the three green candles represent hope and the future.

How many people celebrate Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa has declined in popularity with the waning of the black separatist movement. In 2015 the National Retail Federation said 1.9% of those polled planned to celebrate Kwanzaa (6 million Americans).

Featured image credit: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa by soulchristmas