Kwanzaa Festival in the USA (Kwanzaa)

Kwanzaa is an African-American festival in the United States that traditionally begins to be celebrated on December 26th. Celebrations continue until January 1st. It is believed that this is a time of unity and friendship between peoples. The word "Kwanzaa" means "the first fruit of the harvest." This festival was first held during the intense struggle of African Americans for their rights to freedom and sovereignty in 1966-1967. During the holiday week, festival participants traditionally gather every evening for dinner and light candles, which are the symbol of Kwanzaa. Each evening discusses one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa leadership on which the African tradition is based. And the principles are as follows: self-determination, work and team responsibility, unified economy, pursuit of goals, creativity, faith. During the festival, the interior of the house is decorated with African decorations in the form of colorful fabrics. The main symbols associated with the Kwanzaa festival are: a candlestick with seven candles, reflecting the seven principles, a straw rootstock, the harvest of fruits and vegetables, and ears of grain, reflecting the number of children. During the celebration, millions of African Americans celebrate their cultural heritage, but most of all, it is a family celebration. The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza", which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Every family celebrates Kwanzaa differently, but celebrations often include song and dance, African drumming, storytelling, poetry readings, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and the child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candlestick), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili), are values ​​of African culture that promote the creation and strengthening of community among African Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven main symbols that represent values ​​and concepts that reflect African culture.