Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits". An additional "a" was added to Swahili...
Observation ofKwanzaaoften includes the discussion of these principles along with daily lighting of a candle representing one of them. The seven candles (three green, one black, and three red, representing the traditional colors of Africa) are held in a candleholder called akinara. The kinara and...
a candleholder; ears of corn (maize); gifts; a communal cup, signifying unity; and seven candles in the African colors of red, green, and black, symbolizing the seven principles. On each day the family comes together to light one of the candles in the kinara, or candleholder, and to...
Symbol Meaning Action kikombe cha umoja the unity cup Celebrants drink from this cup in honor of their African ancestors. Before drinking, each person says "harambee," or "let's pull together." kinara the candleholder, which holds seven candles It said to symbolize stalks of corn that bran...
Next, the family says a prayer. Then they recite a call for unity,Harambee("Let's Pull Together"). The libation is then performed by one of the older adults, and one person (usually the youngest child) lights a candle on the Kinara. The group discusses the meaning of that day's prin...
Place the Mazao, the fruit or crops placed in a bowl, on top of the Mkeka symbolizing the culture’s productivity. Next, place the Kinara, a seven-pronged candle holder, on the tablecloth. The Kinara should include the Mishumaa Saba, seven candles that represent the seven central principle...
It is the FIRST candle that is lit. Then, beginning on the second day... There are 3 green on right side, 3 red on left side and 1 black one in the center, which also represents the colors of the national flag of the African-American people. Each day a candle is lit to symbolize...
colors of green, black, and red are reminiscent of the African heritage, making it an ideal choice for Kwanzaa celebrations or any African-themed event. The intricate printed pattern featuring the Seven Principles Kwanzaa motifs serves as a beautiful centerpiece, enhancing the spiritual meaning of ...
Make your own paper kinara to celebrate Kwanzaa! This Kwanzaa kinara craft is easy to make with our free candle printable.
unity. Point out that the colors are the same as those in the Bendera Ya Taifa, the African-American flag designed by Marcus Garvey in the early 1900s. Invite students to investigate the meaning of the colors and images in the United States flag and in other flags from around the world...