Kwanzaa Begins

An African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating family, community, and culture, Kwanzaa is a secular observance with some religious participation. Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of the Nguzo Saba, or the seven life principle in the language, Kiswahili. They are honored with candle-lighting each day of the season: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Symbols include crops. Kwanzaa ends on January 1.