Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 - January 1, was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. The cultural (not religious) holiday is an African American celebration of the values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. As Dr. Karenga says, "Kwanzaa is celebrated through rituals, dialogue, narratives, poetry, dancing, singing, drumming and other music, and feasting."

Kwanzaa is based on Nguzo Saba, seven social principles

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

Each of these seven principles is represented by a candle in the Kinara (candleholder). A black candle should be placed in the center of the Kinara, with three green candles on the left and three red candles on the right. Each day a candle in the Kinara is lit to celebrate one of the seven principles, beginning with the black candle in the center and lighting the rest of the candles from left to right.

Click here for Kwanzaa Decorating and Entertaining Ideas.