THE NAME KWANZAA COMES FROM THE EAST AFRICAN LANGUAGE OF SWAHILI
IT MEANS FIRST FRUITS OF THE HARVEST.
Kwanzaa is an American holiday inspired by African traditions. It is not intended as a religious, political, or heroic
holiday, nor is it a substitute for Christmas. During the seven-day Kwanzaa festival, observed from December 26
through January 1, people of African descent rejoice in their ancestral values. A Swahili word, kwanza means "first".
An extra "a" was added to the end of the word to give it seven letters, representing the holiday's seven principles.
Kwanzaa's origins have been in countries throughout Africa for centuries. Many of these celebrations last seven
days. Some occur in late December at the end of the year, and are celebrated until early January, the beginning of
the next year. The dates for Kwanzaa correspond to the days of these African harvest festivals. Kwanzaa was created
in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Ph.D, chair and professor of Black Studies at the California State University at Long
Beach, and executive director of the Institute of Pan-African Studies. The seven principles are at the heart of
Kwanzaa, and these are based on the gathering together of families, the commemoration of the ancestors, the
rededication to the growth of the community, and the offering of gratitude for life's good. Today millions of families
in the United States celebrate the joys of Kwanzaa and look forward each year to a wonderful African-inspired
celebration.
