Juneteenth, Christmas, Eid, Diwali… So many festivities, each honoring something or someone. Among them is Kwanzaa, a celebration that stands out, yet remains lesser known to many.

Kwanzaa sounds almost musical, soothing. The name comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” But beyond its rhythmic name, lies a powerful history. Born from a moment of resistance in 1966, it emerged as a way to heal, unite, and uplift Black communities.

Symbols of Kwanzaa

At the heart of Kwanzaa, seven candles burn in the colors of Pan-Africanism. The black candle, symbolizing the people, is lit first, followed by red representing strugge and green representing hope , from left to right.

Kwanzaa has seven core symbols, each reflecting values rooted in African culture and community building:

• Mazao (The Crops): Represents harvest celebrations and collective labor.
• Mkeka (The Mat): Symbolizes the foundation upon which we build our future.
• Kinara (The Candle Holder): Represents African ancestry.
• Muhindi (The Corn): Stands for children and future generations.
• Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup): Used in libation ceremonies to honor ancestors.
• Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles): Each candle represents one of the seven principles.
• Zawadi (The Gifts): Exchanged to celebrate personal growth and achievements.

Seven Principles for Seven Days

Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, with each day dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles):

• Umoja (Unity): Encourages togetherness and cooperation within family, community, nation, and people.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Inspires us to define and shape our own identities.
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Reminds us to uplift our communities, making their challenges our own and solving them together.
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Calls for investment in and support of Black-owned businesses.
• Nia (Purpose): Encourages us to build and develop our communities, restoring them to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): Urges us to leave our communities more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited them.
• Imani (Faith): Reminds us to have faith in ourselves, our people, our elders, and the future.

How are you already practicing Kwanzaa with Doore  Dasi?

Kwanzaa is marked by storytelling, shared meals, music, dance, poetry, and gift-giving—all reinforcing the bonds of community. It is an invitation to reconnect with heritage, much like Doore Dasi—a space where jewelry becomes a tribute to culture, resilience, and identity.

By being here, you are already practicing Ujama, supporting a black owned businesses. And when you choose Doore Dasi, you honor Imani, placing faith in an African-inspired jewelry brand that celebrates heritage and tradition.

So, as soon as kwanzaa  season approaches, as candles glow and drums echo, let’s celebrate roots, unity, and the beauty of belonging.