Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 as a way for African Americans to celebrate their African heritage.
Kwanzaa starts on December 26th and continues until January 1st. Each of the 7 days is dedicated to a principle:
Kwanzaa starts on December 26th and continues until January 1st. Each of the 7 days is dedicated to a principle:
Day 1: unity
Day 2: self-determination
Day 3: collective work or responsibility
Day 4: cooperative economics
Day 5: purpose
Day 6: creativity
Day 7: faith
On each of the 7 days, those celebrating Kwanzaa light a candle on a special wooden candelabra called a Kinara. (Image is a link to Amazon.)
Here are some books to help your students learn more about the celebration of Kwanzaa: (Each title is a link to Amazon.)
Since Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, it's important to include music as part of the celebration! Here are some examples of music that celebrate the culture of Kwanzaa!
Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their homes with homemade arts and crafts, and focus on the three colors of Kwanzaa: red, green, and black.
Food is also an important component of any cultural celebration! Typically, a feast happens on the sixth evening of Kwanzaa. Typical foods served might include collard greens, corn, sweet potato pie, fried okra, catfish, jerk chicken, yams, and bananas.
Another tradition of Kwanzaa is the passing of the unity cup. Each celebrant takes a sip from the cup and wishes for unity and togetherness. (Image above is an affiliate link to Amazon.)
Although the holiday was created for African Americans to celebrate their African culture, anyone can celebrate the concepts of unity and togetherness!
Here's a fun digital resource that includes Kwanzaa and several other December holidays!
Or try this collection of informational read-alongs with a
What are your ideas for celebrating Kwanzaa?
