Kwanzaa is an American holiday inspired by African traditions. It is not intended as a religious, political, or heroic holiday, nor is it meant as a substitute for Christmas, but rather to complement it. During the seven day Kwanzaa festival, observed from December 26 through January 1, people of African descent rejoice in their ancestral values. A Swahili word, "kwanza" means "first fruits." An extra "a" was added to the end of the word to give it seven letters, representing the holiday’s seven principles.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Ph.D., chair and professor of Black Studies at the California State University at Long Beach, and executive director of the Institute of Pan-African Studies.

"Seven Kwanzaa candles are proudly placed in our kinara (kee-NAR-rah), a wooden candle holder. A black candle in the center represents the richness of our skin. Three red candles are reminders of the struggles we sometimes have to face. Three green candles tell us to always look toward a prosperous future."

Each day a candle is lit for one of the principles. First the question is asked: Habari gani?, which means "What is the news?" The answer is the principle of the day: