Kwanzaa, which begins on 26 December and ends on 01 January, is a cultural celebration, not a religious observance, but there is no denying that Kwanzaa has a very spiritual aura that surrounds it.
Created by Maulana Karenga as an African-American and Pan-African holiday in 1966, Kwanzaa is a celebration of “the first fruits” of the harvest. Actually, the word kwanza means “first” in Kiswahili. Karenga added the second “A” to the end of kwanza to coincide with the Seven Principles of the celebration.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, are designed to reinforce African, cultural principles. Each day a candle is lit in the kinara [kee-nah-ruh], the holder for the seven candles; three red on the left, one black in the middle, three green on the right.
For the complete article, visit The Examiner.
