a Menorah in the Hanukkah celebration , there is a central candle , black , which is used to light the others .
During Kwanzaa , several items are set up on a foundation of a Mkeka , a mat which symbolizes the traditions and history in which the African American foundation is built .
On this mat will be placed the items in which the individuals celebrating Kwanzaa use . For Freeman and her family , the mat will contain the Kinara , ears of corn that are symbolic of the children and future of the home – three in the case of Freeman ’ s grandchildren , Caperton , Zion and Langston Henderson – a statue to represent Africa , a bowl that is usually filled with fruits or vegetables that represent Mazao ( crops ), and a wooden cup filled with water .
“ At the beginning of the ceremony every evening , we call on the ancestors to join us , and we pour water out of that into another bowl . Then , we announce ‘ Ashay , ashay ,’ and it ’ s the invitation to the ancestors into the event ,” Freeman said . Each evening during the week of Kwanzaa , Freeman and her family set up the items and light one of the seven candles . Those candles represent each of the seven principals – Nguzo Saba – celebrated during the holiday .
Freeman said that in her home , each of the three grandchildren , herself , and her daughter and son-in-law , Colsaria and James Henderson , are assigned one of the Nguzo Saba to create a presentation for . They receive their assignments in the morning and are given the entire day to prepare .
They might decide to sing a song or lead an activity , she said . For example , one year , her youngest grandchild chose to create a paper chain to be added to the family ’ s Christmas tree to represent unity .
The first night is dedicated to Umoja . “ It means unity within the family , within the community , within the culture and within the United States ,” Freeman said . “ It supports that idea of unity , coming together as one .”
The second is Kujichagulia , which Freeman said was her favorite to say . “ That means self-determination . For African Americans , we determine who we are as a people , and nobody tells us how to do that . That is a direct response back to slavery , where we were told what to do , how to do it and how to think ,” she said .
Caperton , Zion and Langston Henderson stand in front of the items used during the celebration of Kwanzaa . Photo submitted by Bonnie Lash Freeman
November 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 33