Red is for the blood. Black is for the people. Green is for the land. These are the symbolic meanings behind the colors of the Pan-African/Black Nationalism flag. Christmas and Hanukkah have come and gone and now the holiday season turns towards the celebration of Kwanzaa. The Pan-African flag and its colors will decorate the houses of thousands perhaps millions of families who celebrate the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Black communities throughout the African Diaspora celebrate this holiday from December 26th to January 1st. Created by an African-American, Malanga Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966. Karenga integrated Swahili as the ceremonial language of the celebration. Swahili is recognized by many African-Americans as a Pan-African language. Since 1966, Kwanzaa's popularity and the number of participating families has increased exponentially throughout the world. The turbulent times of social reform and the struggle for justice and equality for African-Americans were the inspiration and fertile grounds from which this tradition was born. The mission of Kwanzaa is to provide hope, unity, and a reconnection with a rich history and heritage that was so brutally lost for many due to the two-hundred year plus transatlantic slave trade in the Americas.

This year the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa takes on a deeper meaning in an era punctuated with deadly acts of terrorism and the threat to civil liberties. This year families will lay out the Mkeka (M-Kay-cah), a straw mat symbolizing the foundation on which all things rests. On top of the Mkeka the Kinara, a candleholder representing the seven principles, is placed. The seven principles are Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujaama (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuuma (creativity);, and Imani (Faith). Each night as the candles are lit and each principle is reaffirmed, some people may pause with a bit more reverence.

For more information on how to celebrate Kwanzaa in your home, please visit the links below. As you prepare to welcome in the ancestors, don your ancestral robes, and wrap your head in beautifully printed scarves, savor the smell of food for the feast, soak in the colors, and create your own traditions.

Harambee, Harambee, Harabee!

Kwanzaa Vocabulary

Harambee - A call to unity and collective work.
Habari Gani - (Greeting)What's the news?
Tambiko - Ceremonial Libation to honor the ancestors
Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na Heri - Happy Kwanzaa!

The Kwanzaa Song
Kwanzaa is a holiday
Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa
Is an African Holiday
Seven Principles
Seven Candles
Seven Black days for the African.

Check out these links for further information
Kwanzaa Recipes
Kwanzaa Information Center

First published: www.afropop.org