Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural celebration that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It is based on ancient African harvest festival traditions and involves lighting candles that symbolize different principles each night, sharing meals, performing cultural practices, and exchanging gifts within the family. The symbols of Kwanzaa include dried corn, woven tablecloths, and a unity cup.

2. Kwanzaa is based on
ideas borrowed from
Africa. This was an
ancient Swahili seven-
day-long festival.

3. Kwanzaa begins each year on December 26 and
lasts through the first day in January.

4. It is celebrated in America.

5. • African American people celebrate their
culture and history.

6. The symbols of Kwanzaa are
African harvest symbols, like
ears of dried corn and colorfully
woven tablecloths. People
decorate their homes for
Kwanzaa.

7. Day One: The black candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing feelings.
The family gathers and shares how they feel about each
other. Many problems are cleared up during this day,
simply by talking about them.
The black candle signifies unity, which is the central
theme of Kwanzaa.

8. Day Two: A red candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing traditions.
Some people might teach others how to braid hair or
how to play an African drum.
Others might share a family recipe.

9. Day Three: A green candle is lit.
This is day of togetherness, sharing
a common goal.
Everyone in the family works together to get a chore
done - perhaps paint a fence or clean out the garage.
What is important is that everyone works together to
get the job done.

10. Day Four: A red candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing a family gift.
A gift is either made or purchased, something the whole
family can enjoy. In years to come, when people see
this item, they will remember this Kwanzaa.
It can be anything from a house to a cookie cutter.

11. Day Five: A green candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing dreams and hopes.
This is an especially good day to ask yourself and each
other, "What do you wish to accomplish in the coming
new year?"

12. Day Six: A red candle is lit. This
is a day of togetherness, sharing
creativity.
First, everyone in the family creates something - a
poem, a story, a dance, a painting.
In the early evening, the family gathers. Each family
member shares what they have created.

13. Day Seven: A green candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing a feast.
The family gathers and enjoys baked ham, roasted
yams, collard greens, thick bread, pies and desserts!
It is a wonderful feast!

14. What do you know about Kwanzaa?
• What are the symbols of Kwanzaa?
corn Unity cup woven tablecloth
• Where did Kwanzaa begin? Africa
• How many days are in Kwanzaa? 7 days
• What are the colors of the candles? red green black