HarperCollins Children's Books

from
The Story of Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington
illustrated by Stephen Taylor

What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an American festival based upon the celebration of seven principles or beliefs called the Nguzo Saba. There are seven days in Kwanzaa, one principle for each day. Kwanzaa is celebrated once a year, but the principles of Nguzo Saba are important for every day.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an important participant in the civil rights movement. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili, a language spoken in much of Africa. Dr. Karenga chose Swahili words for Kwanzaa so that African Americans would remember that all of Africa is their ancestral land, not just one country.

Greetings
Many people start the nightly celebrations by asking "Habari gani?" which means "What's the news?" The response is the Nguzo Saba of the day.

When is Kwanzaa?
The Nguzo Saba of the seven days of Kwanzaa
How is Kwanzaa Celebrated?
Recipe for Kwanzaa Benne Cakes
Christmas | Hanukkah

back to the Happy 3 Holidays page | back to The Big Busy House