Do you know the origin and customs of Kwanzaa?

This African American holiday celebrates black heritage and lasts for seven days — from December 26 through January 1.

Maulana Karenga introduced Kwanzaa to America in 1966.

In Swahili, Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest.”

During the holiday, families share simple meals of foods from the Caribbean, Africa, South America and the American South.

Specific foods have special meanings.

For instance, certain fruits and vegetables represent the products of group effort.

Another important symbol is corn, which stands for children.

At each dinner, celebrants light a black, red or green candle and discuss one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

These seven principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.