Kwanzaa

 


Celebrating Kwanzaa with the kids? We've got information, some fun colouring pages, puzzles, worksheets and other printables to make your celebrations special!

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated mainly in the US for the week between 26th December and 1st January each year.

The holiday was established in 1966 to help African Americans remember and celebrate their heritage. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili language and means "first fruits". Each day of the seven days is dedicated to one of "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa", which are

  1. umoja - to maintain unity in the family and community
  2. kujichagulia - self-determination, to be responsible and speak for oneself
  3. ujima - collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain a community
  4. ujamaa - economic co-operation, to help and profit one another
  5. nia - purpose, to build and develop the community for the benefit of the people
  6. kuumba - creativity, to do everything possible to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial for future generations
  7. imani - faith, to believe in parents, teachers and leaders.

kwanzaa for kids

A candle is lit each day on the special candlestick, the "kimara", to represent these principles. The kimara is placed on a mkeka, a traditional straw mat, and one ear of corn is also placed on the mat for each child in the family. A fruit basket, called a "mazao", is also displayed, along with a special "unity" cup, out of which everyone drinks. Families decorate their homes with traditional African crafts. The colours red, green and black - representing the African flag - are used. Gifts, known as "zawadi", are given on the last day of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri!

Kwanzaa Crafts
Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! We have a collection of Kwanzaa crafts for you to enjoy, inspired by...
Kwanzaa Colouring Cards
Here are four Kwanzaa colouring cards - just print, colour in and fold - for an extra special...
Kwanzaa Colouring Pages
Here's a selection of original colouring pages for kids with a Kwanzaa theme. We've got...
Kwanzaa Cards
Three fun printable cards for Kwanzaa - featuring two children and lots of Kwanzaa symbols.
Kwanzaa Posters
Two colourful printable Kwanzaa posters to display in the classroom or home...
Kwanzaa Printables for Kids
Whether you are looking for some fun Kwanzaa worksheets for the classroom, a Kwanzaa jigsaw to...
Kwanzaa Puzzles
We have a Kwanzaa crossword puzzle and two word search puzzles for you to print and enjoy with your...
Kwanzaa Scrapbook Paper
This gorgeous collection of printable scrapbook paper for Kwanzaa has been designed to work well...
Kwanzaa Worksheets
Use these worksheets in the classroom or home, to learn a little more about the Kwanzaa holiday and...

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