“I think it really goes well with the symbol and the meaning for today, which is Kujichagulia or self-determination and defining yourself,” said Nsoroma. “I really want to instill that in my 2-year-old.” Williams said Kwanzaa is also a time for reflection on everything that happened...
Kwanzaa celebrates the Seven Principles of African Heritage, or Nguzo Saba (also known as Nguzu Saba). These Seven Principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili word meaning "tradition". Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles: ...
Swahilikwanzafirst First Known Use 1970, in the meaning definedabove Time Traveler The first known use ofKwanzaawas in 1970 See more words from the same year Browse Nearby Words kwanza Kwanzaa Kwapa See all Nearby Words Articles Related toKwanzaa ...
The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits” in Swahili. Swahili is considered a pan-African language, and also happens to be the most widely spoken language in Africa. Basing the language of the holiday in Swahili represents unity throughout the African...
Kwanzaawas created in the 1960s by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an African American scholar and activist. He coined the nameKwanzaafrom theSwahiliwordkwanza, meaning “first,” from the phrasematunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits (of the harvest).” The extraaat the end of the word is said ...
The name Kwanzaa derives from “mutanda ya kwanza” a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits” or “first harvest.” The final “a” was added to the name to accommodate the seven children present at the first Kwanzaa, each of whom was given a letter to represent. ...
The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed. ...
Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits". An additional "a" was added to Swahili...
Families and communities come together for activities throughout the week. Each day, a candle is lit to highlight the principle of the day and to find its meaning. Participants may recite the sayings or writings of influential black thinkers or original poetry, take part in African drumming and...
The name Kwanzaa is derived from Matunda ya kwanza, which in Swahili means first fruits. Kwanzaa is based on the Ashanti and Zulu traditions of first fruit harvest celebrations. Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of 7 principles, known as Nguzo Saba. These include Unity, Self-determination, ...