Kwanzaa

1
Kwanzaa

• On December 26th, Kwanzaa is celebrated.
• This holiday symbolizes African heritage.
• It was created as a ritual for harvest time.

2

• Kwanzaa lasts one week.
• During this week, families and friends gather to
  exchange gifts.
• The colors used during Kwanzaa are green, red and
  black.

3

• Green, red and black candles are lit during the
  week of Kwanzaa.
• These candles represent the seven basic values
  emphasized.

4
The Seven Kwanzaa Principles Nguzo Saba
(en-goo-zo sah-bah)
1st Day - Black candle Umoja (oo-moe-jah) means
unity 2nd Day - Red candle Kujichagulia
(koo-jee-cha-goo-lee-ah) means
self-determination 3rd Day Green Candle Ujima
(oo-jee-mah) means collective work and
responsibility 4th Day Red Candle Ujamaa
(oo-jah-maah) means cooperative economics 5th
Day Green Candle Nia (nee-ah) means
purpose 6th Day Red Candle Kuumba
(ku-oom-bah) means creativity 7th Day Green
Candle Imani (ee-mahn-ee) means faith
5

• Paper decorations and handmade ornaments are put
  on an evergreen Kwanzaa Bush.
• One candle is lit each night for seven nights.

6

• On December 31st, gifts are given to the
  children.
• These gifts are usually books or a heritage
  symbol or artifact.
• The celebration is ended with a large feast known
  as karamu.