The Encyclopedia of World Religions

Kwanzaa S 261

Kwanzaa. He wanted a holiday in the time around C HRISTMAS and H ANUKKAH that was specifically Afri can American. He also wanted to celebrate the values, especially family unity, that had sustained African Americans throughout the centuries. At the heart of Kwanzaa are seven principles (in Swahili, Nguzo Saba ): unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperation in economic endeavors, purpose, creativity, and FAITH . Celebrants recall these principles on seven successive days. They

use them to greet each other. They also light seven different candles, one for each principle. The candleholder is placed on a straw mat along with ears of corn (one for every child in the family, but always at least one), first fruits, gifts, and a unity cup used to pour offerings to ancestors. Children may receive gifts every night. They may also simply receive gifts on December 31. On that night the most festive celebration takes place.