Kwanzaa Dec 26 – Jan 1

Kinara from Official Kwanzaa website

Kwanzaa Kinara Display

From the Official Kwanzaa Website: The Founder’s Message

Dr. Maulana Karenga

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice. . . . . . More

 

The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. Therefore there is one black candle, three red and three green candles. These are the mishumaa saba (the seven candles) and they represent the seven principles.

 

The black candle represents the first principle Umoja (unity) and is placed in the center of the kinara.

The red candles represent the principles of Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kuumba (creativity) and are placed to the left of the black candle.

The green candles represent the principles of Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose) and Imani (faith) and are placed to the right of the black candle.

The black candle is lit first on the first day of the celebration. And the remaining candles are lit afterwards from left to right on the following days. This procedure is to indicate that the people come first, then the struggle and then the hope that comes from the struggle.

A complete explanation of celebrating Kwanzaa is part of Dr. Karenga’s website.

One thought on “Kwanzaa Dec 26 – Jan 1

  1. Pingback: First Day of Kwanzaa | 4comculture.com

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