Kwanzaa Party Supplies

Kwanzaa may be one of the newer holidays but it’s far from the least celebrated. Millions of African American families get together each year to celebrate this holiday in America and Canada. It is celebrated for seven days each year from December 26th to January 1st. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African and African-American cultures and traditions focusing around gift-giving, food, candle lighting and drinks.

The name of the holiday is derived from a Swahili phrase, ‘matunda ya kwanza’ meaning ‘first fruits’ and as such much of the holiday features elements of fruitfulness and abundance. Often there will be a cornucopia used in the decorations filled with common fruits and vegetables such as corn, grains, grapes, pepper and other items that will keep during the seven day celebration.

On each night of Kwanzaa a candle is lit in the candelabrum. There are three red candles, three green candles and one black candle. Each candle is meant to symbolize one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa; Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics, Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). If you are looking to celebrate Kwanzaa this year in your household be sure to get the candles, and a candelabrum, usually made of wood, lots of colorful decoration for the table, walls and to wear yourself. Many families like to pick up décor with very bold patterns and colors reminiscent of African art. For the feast on the last evening of Kwanzaa you can save yourself a lot of effort by picking up Kwanzaa themed paper plates, napkins, tablecloths and other paper items for easy clean up after the family party.

The origins of Kwanzaa may cause much debate among celebrators and non-celebrators alike, but this holiday offers a host of strong ideals and principles to help celebrate modern African American culture and its heritage.