Traditional Foods for Kwanzaa

Black-eyed peas are a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and are often served with rice or cornbread.

Collard greens are a symbol of strength and endurance, and are often cooked with bacon or ham hocks.

Cornbread is a symbol of the harvest, and is often made with cornmeal, flour, and butter.

Sweet potato pie is a symbol of sweetness and prosperity, and is often made with sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices.

Punch is a symbol of celebration and joy, and is often made with fruit juice, ginger ale, and spices.

Oranges are a symbol of joy and abundance, and are often used to decorate the Kwanzaa table.

Collard greens are a symbol of strength and endurance, and are often cooked with bacon or ham hocks.

Allspice is a symbol of warmth and comfort, and is often used in Kwanzaa dishes such as black-eyed peas and collard greens.

Black is the color of the African continent, and is used to represent the strength and resilience of the African-American people.

The seven candles in the Kwanzaa kinara represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Books are a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, and are often given as gifts on Kwanzaa.

Happy Kwanzaa! is the traditional greeting used on Kwanzaa.

Lift Every Voice and Sing is the traditional song sung on Kwanzaa.

The Gumboot Dance is the traditional dance performed on Kwanzaa.

The Story of Kwanzaa is the traditional story told on Kwanzaa.