Kwanzaa Celebrations
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination,
collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose,
creativity, and faith. The colors of Kwanzaa -- green, black, and red --
often are visible on the holiday table, along with the symbolic elements. Serve these African-inspired foods during your celebration.
Symbolic Elements of the Kwanzaa Table
- Mkeka (m-kay-cah): a straw mat representing tradition as the foundation on which everything else rests.
- Kinara (kee-nah-rah): a seven-branched candleholder symbolizing the ancestors. A candle is lit each day.
- Mshumaa (mee-shoo-maah): the seven candles representing the principles that are the focus of the celebration.
- Muhindi (moo-heen-dee): ears of corn, standing for the children, or potential for children, and hence posterity.
- Kikombe cha umoja (kee-coam-bay cha oo-moe-jah): the unity cup that is passed from guest to guest filled with a libation to honor the ancestors.
- Zawadi (sah-wah-dee): small gifts that reward personal achievement
On November 17, 2010
