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Kwanzaa
from Grolier's The New Book of Knowledge
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A father lights the seven candles of Kwanzaa. The first candle to be lit is black in color, signifying the people. Next are three red candles, which relate to their struggle. Last to be lit are the green candles, which symbolize the hope and future that come from the struggle.
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Kwanzaa, meaning “first fruits” in Swahili, is an annual seven-day festival observed by some African-Americans during the week of December 26 to January 1.
Inspired by an African harvest festival, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by an American activist named Maulana Karenga to increase awareness of African heritage
and to encourage unity.
Kwanzaa teaches seven lessons, or Nguzo Saba, one for each day of the week. They are unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), cooperation
(ujima), sharing (ujamma), creativity (kuumba), purpose (nia), and faith (imani). The observance includes lighting candles in a holder
called a kinara, one for each lesson learned. Festivities also may include exchanging gifts and eating an African-style meal known as karamu.
Copyright © 2002 Grolier Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
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