7 Kwanzaa Traditions That Make the Week-Long Celebration So Special

Dr. Karenga created seven guiding principles to be discussed during the week of Kwanzaa, representing seven values that help unite Black communities. Beginning on December 26, a new candle is lit each day on the kinara, or candleholder, beginning with the black candle in the center. The candles (three red, three green, and one black) are collectively known as Mishumaa Saba, or the Seven Candles.

After a candle is lit each night, families discuss a different principle of the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles. The seven core principles include Umoji (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

The black candle symbolizing unity is lit first, as unity is considered the basis of success, followed by the three red candles to the left (Kujichagulia, Ujamaa, and Kuumba) and three green candles to the right (Nia, Ujima, and Imani). After the black candle is lit on the first night, the remaining candles are lit from left to right on the evenings that follow.

There is no dress code for Kwanzaa, but some who observe the holiday choose to wear traditional African garb, either for the Kwanzaa feast or all throughout the week. Women of all ages typically wear kaftans and head wraps, while men usually wear a dashiki over pants and a kufi cap. Women can opt to wear dashikis as well.

While food is an integral part of celebrating each day of Kwanzaa, the biggest meal typically takes place the sixth day of Kwanzaa. A Feast of Faith, called a Karamu Ya Imani, is held on December 31 to enjoy traditional African cuisine. During the feast, a Kikombe cha Umoja, or Unity Cup, is used to perform the tambiko ceremony. Everyone takes turns drinking from the Unity Cup, and after, the oldest person at the party recites the tamshi la tambiko, or libation statement.

Though Dr. Karenga was firm about Kwanzaa being about so much more than just gifts, like other commercialized winter holidays it's encouraged to make and exchange handmade gifts, or zawadi, in order to promote creativity. Gifts are typically exchanged on the last day of Kwanzaa and, though immediate family members may exchange presents, the gifts are usually intended for children.

In addition to having seven guiding principles, Kwanzaa also has seven core symbols. They include the Unity Cup (Kikombe cha Umoja), the Candleholder (Kinara), the Seven Candles (Mishumaa Saba), the Gifts (Zawadi), and three other items: the Crops (Mazao), the Mat (Mkeka), and the Corn (Muhindi).

Crops are used to symbolize the fruits of labor and one ear of corn, representing fertility, is set aside for each child in the family. All the core symbols are set on the mat, which stands for the traditions and foundation that bring Black communities together.

The seventh day of Kwanzaa is the first day of the new year, January 1. Traditionally, this day is used for Siku ya Taamuli, or a Day of Meditation or Assessment. People use this day to reflect on their life and set new goals for the future.

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