Where did the holiday, Kwanzaa, originate?

‘Tis the season for Kwanzaa! This winter holiday takes place December 26 through January 1 each year. Kwanzaa celebrates harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa. Where did Kwanzaa originate? Take a guess from the countries listed below and then scroll down to discover the origin of Kwanzaa.

The colors of Kwanzaa: black, red and green (Illustration credit: DmNdm, Depositphotos.com)

Where Did Kwanzaa Begin?

a) The United States
b) Egypt
c) Kenya
d) Mozambique
e) South Africa

Colors of Kwanzaa

The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the color of the people of Africa. Red stands for the struggles of the African peoples and the blood they've shed. Green symbolizes the fertile land of Africa and hope.

Kwanzaa Principles

The holiday takes place over seven nights. Similar to Hanukkah, candles are lit every night of Kwanzaa. Each night represents a different principle, outlined below.

1. Unity
2. Self-determination
3. Collective work and responsibility
4. Cooperative economics
5. Purpose
6. Creativity
7. Faith

(Photo credit: DmNdm, Depositphotos.com)

Kwanzaa Symbols

Similarly, each day of Kwanzaa is represented by a different symbol.

1. Crops like fruits, nuts and vegetables symbolizing work and harvest
2. A straw or cloth place mat representing history, culture and tradition
3. Ear of corn, standing for fertility and family
4. The seven candles, celebrating the sun and light
5. The candle holder, as a symbol of ancestry
6. A cup, representing unity
7. Gifts, rewarding accomplishments and commitments

Kwanzaa's Karamu feast may feature soul food like collard greens and cornbread (Photo credit: bhofack2, Depositphotos.com)

Karamu Feast

Kwanzaa culminates in a traditional feast called Karamu, which is typically held on New Year's Eve. Presents are also given on this final night of the holiday, especially to children. Foods served at this celebratory meal vary from family to family and may include traditional dishes from various countries in Africa like Ghanaian groundnut stew or West Indian or South African curry dishes. Revelers may also serve African American soul foods like fried catfish, cornbread, sweet potato pie, and collard greens. Take a look at Kwanzaa dish suggestions from the Food Network or Fruits of the Harvest: Recipes to Celebrate Kwanzaa and Other Holidays, available from Amazon. 

Kwanzaa's Origin

Where did Kwanzaa originate? a) The United States

Although Kwanzaa is based on ancient and modern celebrations in Egypt and Southeastern Africa, the Kwanzaa holiday as we know it today was started in the United States. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach after the Watts Riots in Los Angeles. The goal of this holiday was to bring African Americans together as a community.

Learn More About Kwanzaa

Want to learn more about Kwanzaa? Read about the history of Kwanzaa on History.com.

Share the meaning of Kwanzaa with kids with Kwanzaa: 7 Principles, Celebration, Decorations, Traditions and Symbols and the other children's books below.

Test Your Travel Trivia Knowledge

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