Kwanzaa: a holiday in celebration of African American heritage

The day after Christmas, many Iowans will take down their Christmas tree and replace it with decorations for Kwanzaa, a holiday in celebration of African American heritage and strengthening families and communities.

It begins each year on Dec. 26, and ends Jan. 1, modeled on African harvest celebrations. Each day of Kwanzaa represents a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

The word “Kwanzaa” is derived from the word “first” in Swahili, according to National Geographic, taking inspiration from the start of the harvest season in African when crops are gathered.

Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies, in 1966, and its roots are tied to the Black power movement, advocating for racial pride, self-sufficiency and equality for Black people. It is not rooted in any religion.

During Kwanzaa, it is customary to greet others by saying “Habari gani?” which means “What is the news?” in Swahili. When asked the question, someone should answer with the principle of the day.

There are many traditions to celebrate Kwanzaa. Families gather to give gifts, share food and light candles in honor of their ancestors and hopes for the future, according to National Geographic.

Observers are encouraged to decorate by using the colors black, red and green and with traditional African items. Black represents the people, red represents blood shed for freedom and green represents hope for the future. A black, red or green candle is lit on each of the seven days of Kwanzaa.

On the first day of Kwanzaa, the black candle at the center of the holder is lit to represent all people of African descent, according to National Geographic.

The rest of the week alternates between lighting the red candles to the left, which represents the blood of ancestors, and the green candles to the right, which stand for earth, life and the promise of the future. According to the official Kwanzaa website, this order indicates that “the people come first, then the struggle and then the hope that comes from the struggle.”

On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, Dec. 31, it is customary to have a feast called Karamu and serve traditional African dishes and foods. And on the final night of Kwanzaa, a cup of water is poured out as a way to give back to the earth and give thanks for life.

There are anywhere between 500,000 and 2 million people in the United States who celebrate Kwanzaa, according to a 2012 Public Policy Polling poll, the last available data.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com