by B. Taylor

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

Kwanzaa and Christmas are two separate holidays. Each one has its own unique meaning and history. The collection of traditions and rituals practiced on each holiday come from different sources and are completely different from each other.

Christmas is one of the two most important holidays in the Christian religion. Christians believe that on Christmas the Messiah was born. The idea of Messiah comes from Judaism; however, Jews and Christians disagree about the meaning of certain passages in ancient Jewish texts. They agree that the Messiah will be a descendant of King David, will be righteous, and will set the world right. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth was this Messiah, and that through Jesus' teachings and sacrifices humans find salvation.

Christians gear up for the Christmas early. They have adopted the Roman practice of bringing something green inside for the Winter; Christians bring an entire evergreen tree into their homes. They decorate the tree lavishly and make it as beautiful as they can. Many Christian homes have a nativity scene, a little barn with dolls depicting people praying over the baby Jesus. Instead of giving Jesus birthday presents, Christians give each other presents on Christmas day. They get together with friends and family for food, fun, and celebration.

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan African holiday. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at the California State University, Long Beach, as far back as 1966. It begins on December 26, the day after Christmas, and the last day is January 1, which is also New Year's Day.

Kwanzaa is based upon Seven Principles. They are, in Swahili and then English, Umoja, Unity; Kujichagulia, Self-Determination; Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics; Nia, Purpose; Kuumba, Creativity; Imani, Faith. Kwanzaa is a time to remember these important cultural principles, and to meditate on how participants can apply these principles to their lives. The last day of Kwanzaa is traditionally one of meditation.

On each day of Kwanzaa, the family will wear clothing made of traditional African patterns and fabrics, greet each other in Swahili, and eat African foods. The area of the house set up for Kwanzaa is made beautiful; Kwanzaa is time for the celebration and joy. The seven branch kinara, or Kwanzaa candelabra, has three green candles on one side, three red on the other, and one black candle in the middle. Black is for the people, red is for the struggle, and green is for the hope for the future. The kinara is considered a symbol of African roots, and each candle represents one of the seven principles.

People can choose to celebrate only Christmas, only Kwanzaa, or both. The holidays are neither related nor exclusive. Many African American families are Christian, and many African American families enjoy learning about and celebrating both aspects of their cultural history.

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