Kwanzaa, a weeklong cultural celebration honoring African American culture and African heritage, begun Monday, December 26th and ends Sunday, January 1.

Kwanzaa is based on year-end harvest festivals that occurred in Africa.

The name “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates to “first fruits of the harvest.”

Kwanzaa honors the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.