Celebrating Kwanzaa has its roots in the first harvest celebrations in Africa. It was established as a cultural, rather than religious celebration in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. It is steeped in tradition and has a set pattern for celebration.

Three main guidelines

• The values, symbols and practices of Kwanzaa should be highly respected. The beauty, integrity and total meaning of the holiday should not be desecrated.
• The tenants and symbols of the holiday should never be mixed with any other culture. To do so would disgrace the principles of Kujichagulia, (self determination).
• Time and planning must go into choosing only the best and most beautiful adornments for the celebration. Art, textiles, and food must represent the African culture.

Celebration procedures

• A communal spot within the home is chosen to place the ceremonial table. The table is then covered with a piece of African textile and the mkeka (mat) is placed in the middle. Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) are placed in the Kinara (candle holder), which is centered on the mkeka.

The candles are the colors of Kwanzaa: 3 red, representing the struggle, 3 green, representing hope for the future, and 1 black, representing the African people. Each candle represents one of the seven principles:

• The first principle, symbolized by the black candle, is Umoja or unity, and is placed in the middle.
• The red candles, mounted to the left of the black one, symbolize Kujichagulia, (self-determination)Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kumba, (creativity).
• Mounted to the right of the black candle, are the three green candles, which symbolize the principles of Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose), and Imani (faith).

The black candle is lit on the first day. From left to right, another candle is lit each day, symbolizing that the people come first, then the struggle then the hope.

• Mazao (crops) are placed on the table. Each table must have at least two ears of corn. The corn represents the children, and in the African community the children belong to everyone and each adult is considered a social parent.
• The Unity cup, or Kikombe cha umoja is placed on the mkeka. It is used to hold tambiko, the drink to toast the ancestors who led the way and taught the Tamshi (the toast which is given).
• African art and books are laid out around the table, representing a commitment to heritage and learning.