Who celebrates Kwanzaa religion?
Black Americans
Kwanzaa was created for and is celebrated by Black Americans. Although it waned in popularity following its peak during the 1980s and 1990s, the holiday is still annually celebrated by millions of Americans. It is also celebrated by Black people in Canada and the Caribbean.
What is the story behind Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January. Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Karenga created this festival for Afro-Americans as a response to the commercialism of Christmas.
Which country celebrates Kwanzaa?
the USA
The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’ which means ‘first fruits’ in the Swahili language (an Eastern African language spoken in countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe). Kwanzaa is mostly celebrated in the USA.
Who founded Kwanzaa?
Dr. Maulana Karenga
Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way for African American families to reconnect to their roots and their community.
Is it OK to say Happy Kwanzaa?
You can celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa They’re not mutually exclusive. Karenga wanted Kwanzaa to be a nonreligious holiday for African-American families to come together and celebrate their ancestral roots. So you can have your merry Christmas and a happy Kwanzaa, too.
Is Kwanzaa a pagan holiday?
Unlike Christmas, Ramadan, or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is unaffiliated with a major religion. One of the newer American holidays, Kwanzaa originated in the turbulent 1960s to instill racial pride and unity in the Black community.
Is Kwanzaa African?
Kwanzaa is rooted in African culture, however, people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed to join in the celebration.
Why is December 26th called Kwanzaa?
According to Karenga, the name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits”. During the early years of Kwanzaa, Karenga said it was meant to be an alternative to Christmas.