YOUNGSTOWN — Several area events are planned this week for Kwanzaa, a celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture.

Kwanzaa, observed today to Jan. 1, has seven core principles, culminating in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Maulana Karenga, a professor of black studies at California State University, and was first celebrated in December 1966.

The seven-day celebration encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their lives in present-day America.

Kwanzaa is based on African festivals with the Swahili word meaning “the first fruits.”

While not a religious celebration like Hannukah and Christmas, the symbols include the kinara, which holds seven candles. On each night, families have ceremonies and light the candle for that day. The first candle lit is the black one in the middle.

The seven candles stand for the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The principles stand as a guide for daily living. After lighting a candle, the family will discuss the principle.

The seven principles:

• Umoja (unity) — Joining together as a family, community and race.

• Kujichagulia (self-determination) — Responsibility for one’s own future.

• Ujima (collective work and responsibility) — Building the community together and solving any problems as a group.

• Ujamaa (cooperative economics) — The community building and profiting from its own businesses.

• Nia (purpose) –The goal of working together to build community and further the African culture.

• Kuumba (creativity) — Using new ideas to create a more beautiful and successful community.

• Imani (faith) — Honoring African ancestors, traditions and leaders and celebrating past triumphs over adversity.

Other symbols of Kwanzaa include the mkeka, a straw mat that represents the foundation of which everything else rests; mihindi, which are ears of corn which represent the children of the family; matunda is the fruit placed in a basket on a table to represent the harvest; zawadi are gifts, such as books, which are awarded to children for hard work; and the kikombe cha umoja is a cup of unity. Families drink from the cup on the sixth day of Kwanzaa.

Scheduled events

• 5:30 p.m. today, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. The event includes music; dancing; African American vendors; cultural expression, featuring the Harambee Youth Organization; and the Karamu, a community feast with those attending asked to take a covered dish. Special guest and keynote speaker is Dr. Ron Daniels with a book signing and the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon.

• 4 p.m. Saturday, Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., Youngstown, with gospel and cultural celebration, liturgical and mime dancing.

• 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliffe Ave., Youngstown. The event will include ministerial interpretation of the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles), music, choirs and cultural expression. Speaker is the Rev. Lewis W Macklin II.

• 5 p.m. Monday, Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest St., Youngstown. Event includes mimes and cultural and gospel celebration. Speaker is the Rev. George Wilkins.