The catchall sayings “Seasons Greetings” and “Happy Holidays” arguably extend to Christmas, Hanukkah, Three Kings Day, Chinese New Year, St. Lucia Day, and even Kwanzaa. But if you want to specifically acknowledge the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa, there are more direct ways to say “Happy Kwanzaa.”
This celebration honors pan-African heritage and includes festive lights like many other winter holidays. Learn what Kwanzaa is, how to celebrate it, and how to share in the celebration with others using Kwanzaa greetings.
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What Is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a winter celebration of African American and pan-African families, communities, and culture. It was started in 1966 by Africana studies professor Dr. Maulana Karenga to promote unity amongst people of African descent.
The festival is commemorated on the Kwanzaa 2020 United States Postal Service “Forever” stamp. The kinara (candleholder) is one of the key symbols of Kwanzaa and is shown along with an image of a contemplative Black woman on Andrea Pippins’ stamp illustration.
When is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa takes place for a week each year from December 26th through January 1st. Each day represents one of Kwanzaa’s seven guiding principles. Many African Americans participate in public and private events during Kwanzaa.
Who celebrates Kwanzaa?
Although started in the United States, Kwanzaa is a pan-African holiday observed by people of African descent from throughout the African Diaspora. The principles of Kwanzaa exemplify the very best of African cultures and traditions. Kwanzaa celebrations help people of African descent affirm the grandeur and beauty of their ancestral home and translate that beauty into their everyday lives.
‘Happy Kwanzaa’ and other Swahili greetings for the season
Kwanzaa greetings are in the East African language of Swahili, which is the language chosen to represent Kwanzaa’s ideals. Swahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. These ideals come from a wide range of traditional African societies.
| Swahili | English |
| Heri za Kwanzaa | Happy Kwanzaa |
| Matunda ya Kwanza | fruits of the harvest (Kwanzaa) |
| Habari Gani? | How are you? |
| Harambee! | All pull together! |
Habari Gani? (“How are you?”) is the main phrase you’ll hear during this week, and it’s answered with the principle of the day. So, on the first of the seven days, December 26th, Habari Gani? would be answered with Umoja, which means “Unity.” Harambee! (“All pull together!”) is often shouted enthusiastically in unison at the end of formal Kwanzaa ceremonies.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are known as the Nguzo Saba (the seven pillars). Each day of the celebration corresponds with one principle in this order:
| Principle # | Principle Name | Pronunciation | Principle Meaning |
| 1 | Umoja | oo–MO–jah | unity |
| 2 | Kujichagulia | koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah | self-determination |
| 3 | Ujima | oo–GEE–mah | collective work |
| 4 | Ujamaa | oo–JAH–mah | cooperative economics |
| 5 | Nia | nee–YAH | purpose |
| 6 | Kuumba | koo–OOM–bah | creativity |
| 7 | Imani | ee–MAH–nee | faith |
On each day, you light a candle for the principle of the day and participate in festivities associated with the principle. These activities might include music, meditation, reciting poetry, and sharing meals.
Kwanzaa symbols and table setup
During celebrations, you typically set up a table that showcases the various symbols associated with Kwanzaa. Like the principles, the names of the symbols are also in Swahili. There are seven primary symbols and two supplemental symbols to display.
1. Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles)
The seven candles are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, each representing one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
2. Kinara (candle holder)
The kinara is the candle holder and symbolizes the roots of the African people. A candle is lit each night during Kwanzaa, focusing on the principle of the day.
3. Mkeka (the mat)
The mat symbolizes the foundation on which to build. It is often the foundation on which you build your display.
4. Mazao (the crops)
Displaying seasonal fruits and vegetables symbolizes the rewards of collective labor.
5. Muhindi (the corn)
Corn on the cob is symbolic of the children and the future they’ll create.
6. Kikombe cha Umoja (the unity cup)
The unity cup is symbolic of Kwanzaa’s foundational principle of unity.
7. Zawadi (the gifts)
The gifts are symbolic of the labor and the love of parents. They also symbolize the commitments made and honored by children.
Supplemental: Bendera (flag)
The Kwanzaa flag is black, red, and green. Each color symbolizes something important about the holiday:
- black = the people
- red = the people’s struggle
- green = the people’s future that comes from the struggle
The people always come first, so, if you display your bendera vertically, make sure the black stripe is on the right. If you display your bendera horizontally, make sure the black stripe is at the top.
Supplemental: Nguzo Saba poster
This symbol is any type of written record of the seven principles. It usually includes the Swahili and English name of each principle, their symbols, and a short explanation of their focus.
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