Learn More about the Kwanzaa Holiday

Though you are probably very familiar with the more traditional Christmas customs, you may not know how other cultures celebrate the holiday season.

Many African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1. A harvest time ritual, its a holiday that originated at the time of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and commemorates their African heritage. It generally lasts a week. Black, red and green candles which symbolize the seven basic family values of unity, self-determination, cooperative economics, working together, purpose, faith and creativity are lit each night when family and friends have gathered together to celebrate.

Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth and apparel, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Some families have a Kwanzaa bush from which they hang handmade ornaments. Older family members spend time teaching the children about their heritage. A ceremonial table is set up, which has been set up with an ear of corn symbolizing each of the children, and a carved and decorated unity cup used for the evening toasts.

Then for the next seven nights of Kwanzaa the family gathers to light the Kinara, a candleholder made to hold seven candles. Gathered friends and family members also drink from the unity cup each night.

Gifts are presented to the children on December 31. These gifts might include a book and a symbol such as an African artifact so that children might learn more about their heritage. The seven day celebration ends with a feast of African American foods, and plenty of music. After eating and celebrating, friends and family then recommit themselves to the seven principles of Kwanzaa and bid everyone happy times ahead. The host will generally wish everyone great success over the coming year, and vocalizes hope that members gather together in larger numbers the following year.

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