Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a seven day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection. Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and continues until January 1.MelaNet: What is Kwanzaa

The seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba, are as follows:

1. Unity (Umoja)
2. Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)
3. Collective Work & Responsibility (Ujima)
4. Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)
5. Purpose (Nia)
6. Creativity (Kuumba)
7. Faith (Imani)MelaNet: What is Kwanzaa The National Rites of Passage Institute: The Meaning of Kwanzaa

There are nine symbols of Kwanzaa, seven basic symbols and two supplemental symbols.

1. Mazao—the crops
2. Mkeka—the mat
3. Kinara—the candle holder
4. Muhindi—the corn
5. Mishumaa Saba—the seven candles
6. Kikombe cha Umoja—the Unity Cup
7. Zawadi—the Gifts

• Supplemental Symbols:

1. Bendera—the flag
2. Nguzo Saba Poster—the poster of the Seven PrinciplesOfficial Kwanzaa Site: Symbols of Kwanzaa

• Google Video: Kwanzaa

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• YouTube Video: Kwanzaa (Time: 1:49)

• YouTube Video: What Is Kwanzaa? (Time: 9:32)

• YouTube Video: Gospel Kwanzaa (Time: 6:09)

• YouTube Video: Kali Dancers at Kwanzaa (Time: 5:51)

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