If you celebrate Kwanzaa or just want to learn about the traditions, use these resource links to have fun!
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is a holiday that was first started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, who was looking for a way to bring together African Americans as a community. He took traditions from the African harvest or ‘first fruit’ celebrations and highlighted seven symbols that represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st, and culminates in gift giving and a big feast.
THE SEVEN VALUES OF KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture.
- Unity (Umoja),
- Collective Work & Responsibility (Ujima),
- Self-determination (Kujichagulia),
- Purpose (Nia),
- Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa),
- Faith (Imani), and
- Creativity (Kuumba).
The seven symbols of those values are Fruits, Nuts, & Vegetables for the crops (Mazao), the Place Mat (Mkeka), an Ear of Corn (Vibunzi). The Seven Candles (Mishumaa Saba), The Unity Cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja), Gifts (Zawadi), and The Candleholder (Kinara).
KWANZAA ACTIVITY IDEAS
ONLINE STORIES
Enjoy these online stories about Kwanzaa with the family.
| Little Rabbit’s Kwanzaa | Kwanzaa: What It Is and How we Celebrate It! | Together for Kwanzaa |
| My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz | Kevin’s Kwanzaa | Kwanzaa Stories |
This project is made possible thanks to the financial participation of the regroupement lavallois pour la réussite éducative RLPRE as part of an agreement with the Ministry of Education:
