Kwanzaa is holiday which many people are not familiar with. This week long holiday honoring African culture and tradition started nearly 42 years ago by Maulana Karenga, an African American. It is widely believed that initially this holiday celebration was started as an anti Christian movement.
The holiday usually falls on Dec 26 and lasts for 7 days. The seven principles of Kwanzaa include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, co-operative finances, mission, creativity and earth.
During kwanzaa people of all ages celebrate the holiday and honor Africans from all over the globe. Like Christmas, the holiday tradition involves music, vivid colors, exotic dressing, celebrations, feast and an exchange of gifts and good wishes.
Other aspects of kwanzaa include candle lighting and the ritual pouring of drinks in wooden cups. This ceremony is performed as an offering to God. Some cultures hold special exhibits, art festivals or music parties to which everyone is invited.
In the beginning the people who observed kwanzaa remained isolated and did not permit others to join in the festivity. Today, people of all nationalities and religions share common ground and celebrate both Christmas and kwanzaa together.
Kwanzaa is not a public holiday; however private African American business owners may close down for a few days.
Today it is estimated that more than 5 million African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. Ironically, this African holiday is even less known by people who live in Africa.