Starting Monday, the weeklong holiday Kwanzaa will begin, culminating on Jan. 1. Created in 1966 by activist and author Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage and history within African American culture. Various rituals and reflection throughout the week are meant to pay homage to traditions and values rooted in continental African and diasporic African cultural elements.
The holiday is rooted in Swahili and has seven principles, known as Nguzo Saba, that make up each of the seven days. They include: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). Celebrations often include art, poetry, dance, song and food in and outside homes, as well as the kinara candles. The weeklong holiday concludes with a communal feast known as Karamu on the sixth day, which is also New Year’s Eve.
