Celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 each year, Kwanzaa is a festival that celebrates African culture and traditions. Originating from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates to “first fruits,” the holiday recognizes the importance of community and family.

The week-long celebration focuses on seven principles, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

Those who chose to celebrate Kwanzaa have the option of sharing a variety of prayers, greetings, blessings, and quotes with their loved ones. Below International Business Times has compiled some words of wisdom from Good Morning Quote and AZQuote that can be shared during the holiday festivities.

  • “Kwanzaa isn’t a replacement for Christmas or even Hanukkah. Kwanzaa has nothing to do with religion and while some may twist it to be political, in its nature it is not. Kwanzaa is not the tool of its creator. Kwanzaa has a life of its own. Kwanzaa is about the spirit of people -- all people regardless of color or race. Kwanzaa is a holiday of the human spirit -- not the divine. The two were meant to co-exist peacefully.” - Author Unknown
  • “The seven principles of Kwanzaa -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith -- teach us that when we come together to strengthen our families and communities and honor the lesson of the past, we can face the future with joy and optimism.” - President Bill Clinton
  • “We have religious holidays and we have secular holidays. I see Kwanzaa as an opportunity for African-Americans to reaffirm ourselves if we choose to, a chance to rebuild and renew our focus. I see Kwanzaa as a holiday of the spirit.” - Jessica Harris
  • “The [Kwanzaa] holiday, then will of necessity, be engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture.” - Maulana Karenga
  • “Kwanzaa is a pan-African celebration of heritage and culture and family and community. The principles and the manner of observing the holiday lift up traditional values that are key to our lives..” - Janine Bell
  • “Many Americans celebrate both Christmas and Xmas. Others celebrate one or the other. And some of us celebrate holidays that, although unconnected with the [winter] solstice, occur near it: Ramadan, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.” - John Silber
  • “Kwanzaa is a holiday that should be celebrated by everyone, not just the black community.” - Jacqui Lewis

Consider sharing these seasonal blessings associated with Kwanzaa:

  • Take pride in each other and give thanks for this beautiful Kwanzaa.
  • Let the light of Kwanzaa bring happiness to your home.
  • Hope your Kwanzaa is filled with joy and prosperity.

Here is a prayer to recite during the celebration of Kwanzaa:

O come all you faithful, rejoicing and victorious,

Come, let us embrace the mystery in the spirit of life, as we celebrate the goodness of Kwanzaa and the African American heritage.

Come and give thanks for companions on the journey in the struggle for freedom and justice.

Our roots in the soil and soul of Mother Africa reach far and wide.

Creator of all, lead us to be true to our nature with respect and dignity for life, from conception to its natural end at death.

Bless and keep us in solidarity one to another.

Ache.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a special celebration that takes place from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Mario Tama/Getty Images
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