What Do the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa Mean?

If you haven't noticed yet, the number seven holds a lot of power and symbolism in celebrating Kwanzaa: The word has seven letters, the celebration lasts seven days, and the holiday focuses on seven main principles, or Nguzo Saba. These seven principles reinforce African values, and Kwanzaa observers should spend each day of the festival reflecting on one principle.

1. Umoja (Unity)

On the first day of Kwanzaa, members of the African-American community focus on the principle of umoja (pronounced "oo-MOH-juh"). This principle emphasizes the importance of unity in all areas, including family, community, nation, and race.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

The second principle of Kwanzaa is kujichagulia (pronounced "koo-jee-CHA-goo-LEE-ah"), or "self-determination." Its focus is building your identity as a person and a community, both historically and in the present day, by asking the question, "Who am I?" Kujichagulia also encourages the question, "Am I all that I ought to be?"

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Ujima (pronounced "oo-JEE-mah") focuses on the collective responsibility for both achievements and setbacks in the community. This principle reminds celebrants that building each other up is the best way to truly solve problems.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Ujamaa (pronounced "oo-JAH-maa") is the principle of cooperative economics. This goes beyond the mass spending associated with the holiday season. Ujamaa focuses on a concerted effort to pool resources (financial and otherwise) together to benefit Black communities and neighborhoods and essentially build a more communal sense of "profit."

5. Nia (Purpose)

Nia (pronounced "NEE-ah"), which means "purpose," is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa. Nia can refer to being proactive in setting your own personal goals, but it also encourages you to think outward and look at goals that can benefit the larger community. It can mean purpose for your own future, the financial purpose of your family, or the collective purpose of your economic community.

6. Kuumba (Creativity)

Kuumba (pronounced "ko-OOM-bah") is the principle of creativity. This can, of course, refer to individual creativity, but the focus is on improving and bringing beauty to your community through that creativity, whether it's art, dance, music, or literature.

7. Imani (Faith)

On January 1st, the final day of Kwanzaa, celebrants light the last green candle for the principle of imani (pronounced "ee-MAH-nee"). Imani translates to "faith." Remember that Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration, but faith here refers to the family and community traditions as a spiritual center. It is a belief in community leaders, teachers, and loved ones, past and present.