The seven-day African American festival created in 1966 and named from the Swahili phrase for “first fruits” is Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a cultural festival for African Americans. Its name comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits,” referring to African first-fruits harvest celebrations. An additional “a” was added to make the name contain seven letters.
Kwanzaa is observed from 26 December through 1 January. Each day emphasizes one of the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, including unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Common symbols include a kinara, seven candles, crops, and gifts.
Kwanzaa is not a traditional African harvest festival transplanted unchanged to the United States. It is a modern African American cultural observance that draws inspiration from African first-fruits traditions. It can be celebrated alongside Christmas or other religious and cultural holidays.