Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a common in the U.S. festival, which is celebrated by African- Americans during the period from December 26th to January 1st.

Formation and flow

The festival has been developed since 1966 by the American author Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is not a religious festival but a cultural one. The name is a neologism derived from the Swahili word " kwanza " which means "first". It should focus on the " first fruits " ( Swahili: " Matunda ya kwanza ") apply. Karenga chose this East African expression in order to refer to traditions from West and South African harvest festivals.

In each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa celebration, a candle is lit in the Kinara candle holder called; three green, three red and one black; Colors to represent Africa. Each day has a specific theme: Unity ( Umoja ), self-determination ( Kujichagulia ), group work and responsibility ( Ujima ), cooperative economics ( Ujamaa ), purpose ( Nia ), creativity ( Kumba ) and Faith ( Imani ).

Kwanzaa has become the non-black American public known only in recent years. The U.S. Postal Service has next Christmas stamps and Kwanzaa stamps on offer since 1997.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa ( Nguzo Saba )

• Umoja ( Unity ): striving for and maintaining unity in family, community, nation and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination ): To define yourself and to speak for themselves.
• Ujima ( cooperation and responsibility): Zueigenmachung and common solution to the problems of others.
• Ujamaa ( Common economies ): Building and maintaining our own stores, shops and companies with common profit.
• Nia ( determination ): to oneself set goals and they agree with the community.
• Kuumba ( Creativity ): To make your own community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
• Imani (Faith ): To believe with all my heart to his people, his parents, teachers, leaders, justice and the victory of his struggle.