Kwanzaa, a holiday whose name is derived from a Swahili phrase, is celebrated by millions every year, starting Dec. 26.
Created by scholar and activist Maulana Ron Karenga in the 1960s, the weeklong holiday brings together African Americans of all religions to celebrate their cultural heritage. The holiday celebrates history and community with cultural items like the kinara, or candle holder, that displays traditional black, red and green candles representing seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara is lit daily during the holiday, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, to observe a different principle.
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