Kwanzaa Principles

There are seven Kwanzaa principles which form the pillar of this popular holiday. Kwanzaa is based on secular African traditions, and it happens during the Christmas and Hanukkah season. The observance of Kwanzaa lasts for seven days each year, and each day is devoted to a specific Kwanzaa principle. Below is an overview of each of the seven Kwanzaa principles in the order in which they are observed. 

Unity. Unity is typically the first Kwanzaa principle mentioned. A healthy society depends on healthy relationships within families, friendships and communities. Some people interpret unity as a bonding among people of the African race. To others, this principle is more universal and includes the entire human family. 

Self determination. Self determination is important for both the individual and an entire race of people. It is important to honor your personal and cultural history. Day two of Kwanzaa encourages people of African descent to define their own history and future. 

Collective work and responsibility. Everyone is responsible for their own livelihoods and legacies. This is clear from the self determination principle. However, there are also collective responsibilities. A healthy community depends on people collectively solving their problems together while still retaining the principle of personal responsibility. 

Cooperative economics. The principle of self determination continues into day four of Kwanzaa, which is dedicated to cooperative economics. Cooperative economics embraces the idea of taking care of your own livelihood yet realizing that the "pie" is big enough for everyone. Everyone must work together and profit together. 

Purpose. Everyone has his own mission in life. However, races and nations also have collective purposes. Individuals must work together collectively to restore the culture in alignment with its traditional African roots. The principle of purpose is related to the Kwanzaa principle of collective work and responsiblity. 

Creativity. Creativity can lead to a lot of things, including destruction. The Kwanzaa principle emphasizes that creativity must be cultivated for the highest good of the community. Each generation should use its creativity to leave the world in better shape than the generations before it. 

Faith. This Kwanzaa principle is not necessarily religious, as the secular celebration of Kwanzaa offers a blank slate for religious practice. Faith here means faith in "our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the riteousness and victory of our struggle." Manypeople of African descent have been hit hard by economic misfortune and imperial intervention for generations. It's a struggling culture, and faith is necessary for its restoration.