Q&A for How to Celebrate Kwanzaa

You could play an instrument, do a dance, read a poem you wrote or that was written by someone else, or sing a song about your heritage, culture, or ancestors.

A traditional straw or woven textile mat, called a mkeka, is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa. Those who celebrate Kwanzaa view the mkeka as the base for the other six symbols of Kwanzaa, representing the idea that nothing can be built without having a foundation upon which to rest.

Sure! You can decorate it with red, black and green so that it will be more Kwanzaa-like.

The red candles stand for struggles, the green stand for hope, and the black represents the African people.

The second day is about self-determination. Talk with family about what that means and looks like to you. Do an activity that requires determination from everyone. Discuss your ancestors and people of color who were/are self-determined and successful.

Umoja is not about giving, but more about coming together as one community. Usually, the Unity cup is shared by all in the room. Harambee (Swahili for unity) is chanted 7 times.

Wear traditional African clothing, especially dashikis and African-print dresses and headdresses.

Yes, anyone anywhere in the world can celebrate Kwanzaa, there are no restrictions.

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The candles must stay lit for the seven days, but you can decide when you would like to take them down after the seven days are over.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday, not African, but connects African Americans to their African roots. Consider inviting Ugandan people to perform, share art, etc.

Yeah! Kwanzaa is just a way to celebrate African American culture and history, anyone at all can take part.

Give any type of gift from the heart. Just make sure that it goes with the holiday so you don't give your family and/or friends something offensive.

Yes. The Unity Principle brings in the idea of unifying the whole earth and all that is in it, making all who want to partake in these principals eligible to participate.

No, it's a cultural holiday. This means that it celebrates the culture of people of African descent, rather than having any religious purpose.

Yes! Anyone can celebrate Kwanzaa.

Yes! As it says in the article's intro, Kwanzaa is a cultural rather than religious ceremony, so the two can be celebrated alongside one another.

You honor your ancestors. You call on them to guide you and your family. You talk to the family about your ancestors, especially the younger generation. Share your family stories or memories, good and bad. Honor love, honor family.

We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green, Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle, and to the land we must obtain. One nation of Black people, with one God for us all, totally united in the struggle for Black Love, Black Freedom, and Black determination.

Kwanza is a Swahili word meaning 'first' and comes from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning 'first fruits'.

Kwanzaa, which begins on December 26 and lasts seven days, is a seven-day celebration of community, family, and culture that was created to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. It is not regarded as a religious holiday.

Kuumba. Kuumba, which means "creativity," is highly valued and promotes self-satisfaction. The presents are frequently exchanged between adults and children and are traditionally given out on January 1st, Kwanzaa's concluding day.

Yes. Anyone can celebrate Kwanzaa, but it’s usually observed by African-Americans. Kwanzaa doesn’t discriminate. Many cultures celebrate the holiday, such as Carribean-American.

Yes. Fasting, or abstaining from food, is a common practice during Kwanzaa to cleanse the mind, soul, and spirit.

Yes. While Christmas is a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not tied to any religion.

Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word meaning 'fruit of the harvest'. It is called this because first fruit festivals take place at this time of year in South Africa.

They are symbolic. The red represents the struggle of the Africans, the green represents hope and the black represents the African diaspora.

This is a matter of preference. However, those who do leave them burn, just remain in the room until the candles burn out. But those who do extinguish nightly will need to be replaced for the next celebration day.