When was kwanzaa first celebrated

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Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about this annual celebration. Photo: The first U.

Postage Stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa Kwanza celebrated its 50 th Birthday in The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in to celebrate family, culture and heritage, and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa.

This story may include affiliate links for which we receive a small commission at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases. Be sure to check with businesses and locations regarding travel restrictions and safety precautions before visiting. This winter holiday takes place December 26 through January 1 each year. Kwanzaa celebrates harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa. Where did Kwanzaa originate?

Take a guess from the countries listed below and then scroll down to discover the origin of Kwanzaa. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the color of the people of Africa. Green symbolizes the fertile land of Africa and hope.

The holiday takes place over seven nights. Similar to Hanukkah, candles are lit every night of Kwanzaa. Each night represents a different principle, outlined below. Unity 2. Self-determination 3. Collective work and responsibility 4. Cooperative economics 5. Purpose 6. Creativity 7. Crops like fruits, nuts and vegetables symbolizing work and harvest 2. A straw or cloth place mat representing history, culture and tradition 3.

Ear of corn, standing for fertility and family 4. The seven candles, celebrating the sun and light 5. If you need to do business with a company or organization with an African-American orientation during this period, it may be wise to check whether they are open as usual. The main symbols of Kwanzaa are a mat, on which to put the things needed for the celebration, the unity cup used to pour libations, a candle stick holding seven candles, the seven candles, ears of corn, the Kwanzaa flag and a poster depicting the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: unity; self-determination; collective work and responsibility; co-operative economics; purpose; creativity; and earth. The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black and green. The Kwanzaa flag consists of three blocks, one in each of these colors.

Three of the seven candles are red, three are green and one is black. Each candle represents one of the principles of Kwanzaa. The candle holder is carved from a single piece of wood and its shape was inspired by the form of the Ashanti royal throne.

Kwanzaa was first celebrated in December and January The holiday was proposed by Maulana Karenga to give those of African descent a holiday to celebrate their own cultural heritage and the key values of family and community. Although seen as an alternative to Christmas and thus possibly anti-Christian in the early years, many people now observe aspects of both festivals.