The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: 2009 Celebrations Kick Off Today

Kwanzaa celebrations kick off today on December 26 and go on until January 1. Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage and culture and consists of seven days of celebrations, each of which is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The history of Kwanzaa spans 43 years. The holiday was masterminded by Ron Karenga in 1966. The entire philosophy of Kwanza can be explained by its seven principles, or Nguzo Saba:

1. Umoja - stands for Unity
2. Kujichagulia - stands for Self-Determination
3. Ujima - stands for Collective Work and Responsibility
4. Ujamaa - stands for Cooperative Economics
5. Nia - stands for Purpose
6. Kuumba - stands for Creativity
7. Imani - stands for Faith

The holiday is celebrated mostly in the United States. Among acitivities carried out during the seven days of Kwanzaa are candle-lighting, gift giving and shared feasts.