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 heritage. 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 26, 2022, 5:01 P.M.
By Hannah Kim
