A Complete Guide To Celebrating Kwanzaa

Source: Guy Cali / Getty Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African culture spanning from Dec. 26 to Jan.1, originated in 1966 amid the Black Freedom Movement. The celebration was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist and esteemed professor of Africana studies at California State University, Long Beach. Rooted in the early harvest festivities of Africa, this holiday holds deep cultural significance for many African Americans and communities connected to the African diaspora. Kwanzaa derives from the phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” in Swahili, which means “first fruits.” The symbolic colors of Kwanzaa reflect the essence of unity and the historical roots of intercontinental Africans and their culture, according to The Official Kwanzaa website spearheaded by Karenga. Every year, families light seven candles, which are also called mishumaa saba. They are placed on the Kinara — a candle holder — to celebrate the holiday. Each candle symbolizes a unique aspect of the African heritage. The black candle, which is always placed in the middle of the kinara, signifies the African diaspora, the three red candles embody their enduring struggle, while the green candles — also grouped in three — represent hope and the promise of a brighter future arising from the...