Many people celebrate Christmas. Others enjoy Hanukkah. But some also have a special holiday called Kwanzaa. Heard of it? Read on to learn what it means!
Kwanzaa honors African American people and their . The celebration began on December 26 and ends on January 1. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. He wanted to have an event to celebrate African pride.
“Kwanzaa is a time to reflect on our rich African culture,” said Okera Ras from the Bronx, New York. He said there are “seven universal principles of Kwanzaa.” They are unity, , teamwork, support, purpose, creativity, and faith. People light a candle for each principle.
Throughout Kwanzaa, families decorate their homes with African items. Those may include cloth, baskets, or art. They want to welcome the holiday in a special way! Some use glow sticks or whistles to make it jollier!
During Kwanzaa, families come together for a feast (called the karamu). They eat foods like chicken, veggies, and rice and beans. Like for Christmas and Hanukkah, there are gifts too. They include a book to represent education.
Ras had a message for Kwanzaa. “Children should know they are great,” he said. “They come from a long line of strength, intelligence, creativity, and .”
Updated December 27, 2021, 5:01 P.M
By Hannah Kim
