Kwanzaa is celebrated this year from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture says the holiday is an African American and Pan-African celebration of culture.
The word Kwanzaa is from Swahili, meaning first fruits or harvest festival, the museum website says.
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is a time of year to celebrate African heritage, culture and to observe the seven principles.
They are: Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Imani (faith); Kuumba (creativity); Umoja (unity) and Kujichagulia (self-determination), according to the museum.
It is also a week of gatherings of families and friends for readings, music and food.
That’s when a candle is lighted each night of the week to focus on that day’s principle.
For more information go to: https://s.si.edu/3YfcSoa.