Kwanzaa, an African – American celebration of cultural re-declaration, is one of the fastest growing holidays in the world. Celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, it is based on Nguza Saba, the seven guiding principles, one for each day of observance.

The first day is focused on Umoja (OO-MO-JAH), or unity. Umoja emphasizes the significance of family and community togetherness.

“This is a really good day to communicate with your family,” sophomore Jene Thompson said.

Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH), or self-determination, is the center of the second day. This means that one is required to define common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of his or her family and community.

The third day reminds one of his or her obligation to the past, present, and future, and that one has a role to play in the community, society and world. This is known as collective work and responsibility, or Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH).

“If you do something wrong, you can ask people how they feel about it,” Thompson said.

Cooperative economics, or Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH), is the focal point of day four. Ujamaa stresses one’s collective economic strength, and pushes one to meet common goals through mutual support.

Nia (NEE-YAH), or purpose, gives one confidence to look within oneself and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. This is the crucial aspect of the fifth day.

The sixth day is focused on creativity, or Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH). Kuumba exploits one’s creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

“It’s a good way to help people,” Thompson said. “You can talk to people you didn’t know or didn’t like.”

Imani (EE-MAH-NEE), faith, is the center of the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa. It honors the best of one’s traditions, extracts the best in oneself, and aids one in striving for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming self-worth and confidence in one’s ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

Throughout the Kwanzaa week, those who celebrate it learn about themselves, their community, and how to utilize their environment to amplify the well being around them. In the end, they have bettered themselves and explored their culture.

“It’s a very good holiday to spend with your family instead of yourself,” Thompson said.