Here are five facts you should know about the cultural holiday and weeklong celebration known as Kwanzaa.
The meaning of the name:
Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits” or “fruits of harvest.”
The founder:
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of Africana studies at California State University, established Kwanzaa as a holiday in 1966 to honor family, community and African American and Pan-African culture.
When is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is commemorated during a weeklong celebration from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
The number seven:
Kwanzaa, spelled with seven letters and celebrated over seven days, includes seven symbols and seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Seven candles representing each of the seven principles are lit daily and are the traditional colors of Africa — red, black and green.
Who celebrates Kwanzaa?
Originally created as an African American and Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa is celebrated globally by millions of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Celebrities, including mogul and humanitarian Oprah Winfrey, actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, hip-hop icon Chuck D and NFL legend Jim Brown commemorate the holiday.