In addition to Christmas and Hanukkah in December, Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, from December 26th to January 1st. Considered a Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa unites everyone of African descent, regardless of where they live.
Even though Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday and not a religious one, it shares many customs and traditions with Christmas and Hanukkah, such as gift-giving, spending time with family, and supporting your community. And like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa uses the lighting of candles to symbolize each of the celebration’s guiding principles.
The seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba, were developed by the celebration’s founder, Dr. Maulana Karenga, who based them on the ideals of the first-fruit harvests—traditions and beliefs that go back millennia in African culture:
- Umoja (Unity): coming together as a race, community, and family
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): taking control of your future
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): group problem solving and community building
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): growing and profiting from the community’s own businesses
- Nia (Purpose): Cooperating to create community and expand African culture
- Kuumba (Creativity): Promoting innovative ideas for a more prosperous and beautiful community
- Imani (Faith): commemorating victories over adversity and honoring ancestors, leaders, and traditions
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are represented by the seven candles placed in the Kinara, with a black candle in the middle depicting unity, the three red candles to the left representing self-determination, cooperative economics, and creativity, and the three green candles to the right exhibiting collective work and responsibility, purpose, and faith.
The colors of black, red, and green are symbolic of the people of Africa and their struggles. The black stands for the people whose existence as a nation is confirmed by the flag, the red for the blood that unites them, and the green for the abundant natural wealth of the continent.
Along with the seven candles of Kwanzaa, seven symbols depict the seven principles:
- Mkeka (mat): the foundation on which all the items are placed
- Mazao (crops): the harvest and the people who worked to produce it
- Kinara (candle holder): the singular stalk that all Africans come from
- Mishumaa (candles): the seven principles
- Muhindi (corn): the African children and their future
- Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup): used to pour the libation for family and friends
- Zawadi (gifts): the labors of the parents and the rewards of their children
The Kwanzaa candles are displayed with the above items throughout the seven days of celebrating with family and friends.
Kwanzaa and Hanukkah
The similarities between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are evident in many ways. And while the two holidays may be celebrating two different cultures and histories, the ways they honor and recognize their dead also share basic similarities such as remembrance and preparation for the afterlife.
One of the mitzvahs (Ner Mitzvah) of Judaism relates to bereavement or the observance and practice of caring for the dead accordingly. One modern and memorable way to do this is with a Jewish monument. Quiring Monuments can provide granite monuments that include graphics like the Torah (Torah scroll) and other Jewish symbols. Our upright headstones’ colors can add a personalized touch to any piece when displayed in a local cemetery, including Bikur Cholim Cemetery in Seattle. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.