What religion is Kwanzaa from? Is Kwanzaa only for black?

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies and an important figure in Afrocentrism.

He was inspired by the Southern African first-fruits celebrations and the Swahili language. The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, meaning “first fruits” in Swahili .

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, mainly in the United States, but also in other parts of the African diaspora, such as the Caribbean.

Each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These principles are expressed in Swahili as umoja, kujichagulia, ujima, ujamaa, nia, kuumba, and imani .

There are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa: fruits, vegetables, and nuts; a straw mat; a candleholder; ears of corn; gifts; a communal cup; and seven candles in red, green, and black. These colors represent the African people, the land, and the blood shed for freedom.

Each day, a candle is lit and the principle of the day is discussed. On December 31, there is a community feast called the karamu. Kwanzaa honors the ancestors and the struggle for freedom and justice.