Which African language did Kwanzaa adopt? What is the correct greeting for Kwanzaa?

The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’, which means ‘first fruits’ of the harvest. Swahili is a language spoken in many countries in East Africa, such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

One of the most important aspects of Kwanzaa is the lighting of the kinara, a candle holder with seven candles in red, green, and black. These colors represent the blood, land, and people of Africa.

Each candle also symbolizes one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Every night, one candle is lit and one principle is discussed by the family or community. On the last night, a feast called karamu is held to celebrate the end of Kwanzaa.

Another way to greet each other during Kwanzaa is by saying ‘Habari gani?’, which means ‘What’s the news?’ in Swahili. The answer is the name of the principle of the day. For example, on the first day of Kwanzaa, the answer is ‘Umoja’, which means ‘unity’. This is a way to remind each other of the values and goals of Kwanzaa.