2022 Kwanzaa Forever First Class Postage Stamps

Since Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors African culture, one meaningful way to celebrate is by wearing traditional African attire. This may include a kaftan (dress), dashiki (shirt), gele (headwrap), or garments made from kente cloth — one of the most widely recognized elements of African fashion.

Kente, a centuries-old textile from West Africa, is deeply rooted in cultural tradition. Its intricate weaving is said to have been inspired by the way spiders spin their delicate webs. Kente fabric is known for its vivid colors and symbolic patterns, each design telling a unique story — sometimes even incorporating meaningful symbols. Common colors include black, red, blue, gold or yellow, green, white, and purple or maroon, each carrying a distinct meaning. For example, black represents spiritual strength and maturity, blue signifies peace, love, unity, and harmony, and red can symbolize blood, sacrifice, or political passion. Gold or yellow reflects wealth or royalty, green stands for growth, harvest, or renewal, white represents purity or cleansing, and purple or maroon conveys a connection to Mother Earth, healing, and protection from evil.

As African culture spread around the world, kente cloth found its way into popular fashion, yet its greatest significance remains in its ability to preserve heritage, tell stories, and celebrate tradition — just like Kwanzaa itself.