I was today years old when I learned this …

 Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural festival that celebrates African-American heritage, family, and community. Since today is December 26, the first day of Kwanzaa has just begun!

The Basics

 * Dates: December 26 to January 1 every year.

 * Origin: It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies, to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical roots.

 * Meaning: The name comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits," referring to traditional African harvest festivals.

The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)

Each of the seven days is dedicated to a specific principle intended to strengthen the community:

 * Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family and community.

 * Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define, name, and speak for ourselves.

 * Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together.

 * Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and support our own businesses.

 * Nia (Purpose): To restore our people to their traditional greatness.

 * Kuumba (Creativity): To leave the community more beautiful than we inherited it.

 * Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness of our struggle.

Common Symbols & Traditions

 * The Kinara: A candle holder that holds seven candles (Mishumaa Saba). There is one black candle in the center, three red on the left, and three green on the right.

 * Lighting the Candles: One candle is lit each day to represent that day's principle. The black candle is lit first, then they alternate from left to right.

 * The Mkeka: A straw mat that symbolizes the foundation of tradition and history.

 * The Karamu: A large feast held on December 31. It often features dishes like jollof rice, collard greens, and sweet potato pie.

 * Gifts (Zawadi): On the final day (January 1), gifts are often exchanged. These are usually handmade or educational to avoid the commercialism of other holidays.

Is it a Religious Holiday?

No, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one. Because of this, many people (including many Christians) celebrate Kwanzaa alongside their religious traditions like Christmas. It's meant to be a time of reflection on heritage rather than a replacement for faith-based celebrations.

Since you mentioned you're a Christian and active in your community in Leechburg, would you like to know more about how Kwanzaa celebrations often bridge cultural and faith-based community values?