The African-American holiday of Kwanzaa will be...

The African-American holiday of Kwanzaa will be celebrated through Jan. 1 in Southern California, where it originated, and by an estimated 18 million people worldwide.

Celebrating the culture, history and traditions of Africa, Kwanzaa abounds with symbolism and is a time of joy as well as reflection. Although it is not a religious holiday, many churches are holding Kwanzaa observances to celebrate the community, fellowship and accomplishments they have shared in the past year and to think about the future.

Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, chairman of the black studies department at Cal State Long Beach, the holiday is based on the agricultural cycle of Africa. Kwanza means first, and the holiday is timed to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest.

From his study of many African cultures, Karenga derived the seven principles of Kwanzaa that are discussed and studied on each day of the holiday: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

According to Itibari Zulu, librarian of UCLA’s Center for Afro-American Studies and executive director of the California Institute of Pan-African Studies, many families celebrate at home, or travel to see relatives or friends during the holiday. Children perform skits or recite poetry. Special foods are cooked. And one candle is lighted each night in a seven-branched kinara , or candle-holder.

Besides the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the holiday has seven symbols. A straw mat represents reverence for tradition. Ears of corn symbolize each child in the family. The kinara stands for the continent and peoples of Africa. Small educational gifts such as books, given to youngsters on the seventh day, recognize the contribution of children to their families and society. An arrangement of fruits or vegetables represents collective work. A communal drinking cup stands for the unity of generations. The seven candles symbolize the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Kevin Spears, communications director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, noted: “Some churches in the community that have had Christmas celebrations are now holding Kwanzaa observances to celebrate the first fruits of our work together as a community. This is an affirmation that people who are part of the church still can celebrate Kwanzaa.”

Faith United Methodist Church will hold a Kwanzaa observance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, featuring seven preachers discussing the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the lighting of seven candles. Faith United’s pastor, the Rev. M. Andrew Robinson-Gaither, will lead the celebration. The address is 1713 W. 108th St., Los Angeles; phone, (213) 754-8453.

Kwanzaa People of Color presents its 16th Annual Los Angeles Kwanzaa Gwaride Festival, featuring traditional food, dress and dances. The festivities, which began Friday, continue today and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. in Leimert Park, near Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue. For information, phone (213) 789-7310.

The Los Angeles African-American Cultural Center will hold a Kwanzaa celebration from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Department of Water and Power auditorium, 111 N. Hope St., Los Angeles. Tickets are required and cost $20. Phone (213) 299-6124.

WORSHIP

American Indians are invited to participate in a worship service and fellowship at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Covenant Presbyterian Church, at 3rd Street and Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach. Bring a salad or dessert to share at a potluck meal after the service. Phone (310) 670-5076.

St. Andrew Independent Anglican Church in Los Alamitos will have a special holiday service--the Festival of Lessons and Carols--at 10 a.m. Sunday. 4050 Katella Ave., (213) 594-8706.

Bishop John Ward, priests, members of religious orders and the Knights of Columbus will lead the annual Archdiocesan Procession and Mass of Reparation for Abortions to mark the Catholic Church’s feast day of the Holy Innocents, The procession will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, 6657 W. Sunset Blvd., (714) 772-7729.

On Sunday, the Crystal Cathedral presents Handel’s “Messiah,” performed by the Cathedral Chorale, the Newport-Mesa Christian Center Sanctuary Choir and a chamber orchestra conducted by Margaret Houck Donnelly. Services begin at 6 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., organist Mark Thallander will play Christmas music by Burkhardt, Corelli, Daquin, Dupre and Handel. The cathedral is at12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, (714) 971-4000.

Word of Life Christian Fellowship in Vista will hold its inaugural worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Vista Community Center, 160 Recreation Drive. Call (619) 598-4232.

The Independent Church of Religious Science will hold a “Burning Bowl Ceremony” at 2 p.m. Sunday, to enable worshipers to “let go of the struggle and choose to love ourselves.” The address is 4100 East 7th St., Long Beach, (310) 433-0384.

SINGERS

Hundreds of singers, including whole choirs, are being sought for an international artistic collaboration when the Long Beach Opera presents the massive Bochum Symphony/Dusseldorf Theater production of Arnold Schoenberg’s “Jacob’s Ladder” and Bernd Zimmermann’s “Turning, I Saw Great Injustice” in February. Choirs and singers may contact Roy Rallo at (310) 596-5556 for information.

Please address notices to: Southern California File, c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. To receive consideration, an item must be brief and arrive at least three weeks before the event.