How many principles are celebrated in Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles, known in Swahili as the Nguzo Saba. One principle is emphasized on each of the holiday’s seven days, from December 26 through January 1.

The principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Together, they express the cultural and community-building values at the center of Kwanzaa.

Maulana Karenga developed the principles in 1965, one year before he created Kwanzaa. The seven-candle kinara reflects this structure: its seven candles are called the Mishumaa Saba, and each candle corresponds to one principle.

The number seven is therefore not just a count of celebration days. It is built into the holiday’s vocabulary, candle ceremony, name symbolism, and daily observance. Kwanzaa is sometimes described as a week-long holiday, but its dates span seven calendar days.