A central symbol of Kwanzaa is the kinara, a candelabra that holds one black, three red and three green candles. The Kinara is placed under a straw mat (called a mkeka) during Kwanzaa and the candles are lighted in a particular order until the final day, when all seven candles are burned.
Day 1: Light the black, middle candle to honor umoja
Day 2: Light the innermost red candle to honor kujichagulia
Day 3: Light the innermost green candle to honor ujima
Day 4: Light the middle red candle to honor ujamaa
Day 5: Light the middle green candle to honor nia
Day 6: Light the outermost red candle to honor kuumba
Day 7: Light the outermost green candle to honor imani
Another Kwanzaa symbol is corn. One ear of corn is placed under the kinara to symbolize each child in a family.
Karamu: the Kwanzaa Feast
Traditionally, a feast is held on day six of Kwanzaa and gifts are exchanged on day seven.
The feast, which falls on Dec. 31, is called karamu. Since it corresponds with the day that honors creativity (kuumba), many families organize a craft-making party. Then, the crafts are exchanged as gifts on Jan. 1.
The crafts should somehow tie to the African American heritage or to Kwanzaa itself. Kids could make corn necklaces, woven placemats, family history books or homemade kinaras.
nzaa itself. Kids could make corn necklaces, woven placemats, family history books or homemade kinaras.
Before the feast, decorate your house in the colors of Kwanzaa (red, green and black) either using conventional party supplies, such as streamers, or with symbols from black culture, such as the African-American flag. You could also use items from nature, or, if your family also celebrates Christmas, consider decorating your tree with red, green and black ornaments and lights.
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