{"id":1566426,"date":"2020-12-10T08:22:31","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T14:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1566426"},"modified":"2023-05-18T10:06:39","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T15:06:39","slug":"kwanzaa-traditions-food-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/kwanzaa-traditions-food-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Kwanzaa Food Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday that celebrates African American heritage and culture across the diaspora. It was initiated in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist. Dr. Karenga wanted to inspire and uplift the black community during the Civil Rights Movement, a time of emotional distress. Kwanzaa became a holiday of unity and celebration of life.\r\n\r\nThe name of the holiday originates from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza,<\/em> which translates to the \"first fruits of the harvest.\" Kwanzaa takes place from December 26th to January 1st each year, and a feast is generally held on December 31st. The evening is full of laughter, dancing and, of course, food!\r\n\r\nLearn more about the meaning and history of Kwanzaa<\/a>. While you're at it, you might want to take a look at these Kwanzaa gifts<\/a> to give to your loved ones.\r\n

What Are Popular Kwanzaa Traditions?<\/h2>\r\nEach of the seven days of Kwanzaa celebrates the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba<\/em>. Each night a candle is lit for each principle.\r\n\r\nThe seven principles are as follows:\r\n
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  1. Umoja:<\/strong><\/em> The unity of the race, community and family.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Kujichagulia:<\/strong><\/em> Self-determination and accountability.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Ujima:<\/strong><\/em> Collective responsibility in working together for the benefit of the community.<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Ujamaa:<\/strong> <\/em>Cooperative economics by working together to build businesses.<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. Nia:<\/strong><\/em> Purpose in remembering African and African-American history, customs and cultures.<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. Kuumba:<\/strong><\/em> Creativity in the community.<\/li>\r\n \t
  7. Imani:<\/strong><\/em> Faith in people.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThere are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa:\r\n
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    1. Mazao:<\/strong><\/em> The crops symbolize the harvest.<\/li>\r\n \t
    2. Mkeka:<\/strong><\/em> The mat represents history, tradition and the foundation on which the community builds.<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. Kinara:<\/strong><\/em> The candle holder symbolizes the roots of the community.<\/li>\r\n \t
    4. Muhindi:<\/strong><\/em> The corn represents the future of children in the community.<\/li>\r\n \t
    5. Kikombe cha Umoja:<\/strong> <\/em>The Unity Cup symbolizes the practice of unity.<\/li>\r\n \t
    6. Mishumaa Saba:<\/strong><\/em> The seven candles represent each of the seven principles.<\/li>\r\n \t
    7. Zawadi:<\/strong><\/em> The gifts for children symbolize parental love and commitments maintained by children.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nKwanzaa food often matches the red, black and green colors of the Bendera<\/em>, the Black liberation or Pan-African flag. Red represents the struggle of Black people. Black symbolizes pride in the race. Green signifies hope for the future.\r\n\r\nTwo Kwanzaa foods<\/a> with significant symbolism are black eyed peas and collard greens. Black eyed peas symbolize good luck, while collard greens symbolize fortune. Some of the foods prominently featured in menus are foods that were brought to America via the Transatlantic slave trade, and include yams, peanuts and the aforementioned collard greens.\r\n

      What Is Traditional Kwanzaa Food?<\/h2>\r\nUltimately, a traditional Kwanzaa meal is what you want it to be! There are influences from African, Caribbean, South American and Southern cuisines. There are no right or wrong Kwanzaa foods. Here are a some popular foods that are perfect for Kwanzaa.\r\n