Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage, culture, and values that takes place from December 26 to January 1 every year. One of the most important rituals of Kwanzaa is the lighting of the kinara, a special candle holder that holds seven candles. Each candle represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, also known as the Nguzo Saba. In this blog post, we will show you how to light kwanzaa candles and what they mean.
What You Need
To light kwanzaa candles, you will need the following items:
A kinara: This is the wooden or metal candle holder that has seven slots for the candles. You can buy one online or at an African goods store, or you can make one yourself if you are crafty.
Seven candles: You will need one black candle, three red candles, and three green candles. The black candle represents the African people, the red candles symbolize their struggles, and the green candles represent their hope for the future. The candles are called the mishumaa saba in Swahili.
A mkeka: This is a woven mat that you place under the kinara. It symbolizes the foundation of African culture and history. You can use any kind of mat or cloth that has an African pattern or design.
An ear of corn: This represents the children and the future generations of the African people. You will need one ear of corn for each child in your household. If you have no children, you can use one ear of corn to represent all the children of Africa.
A kikombe cha umoja: This is a unity cup that you use to pour libations and share drinks with your family and friends. It symbolizes the bond and harmony among the African people. You can use any kind of cup or goblet that has an African motif or style.
A zawadi: These are gifts that you exchange with your loved ones on the last day of Kwanzaa. They should be handmade or educational, and they should reflect the values and principles of Kwanzaa. You can make your own gifts or buy them from local artisans or vendors.
How to Light Kwanzaa Candles
You should light kwanzaa candles every night from December 26 to January 1, starting from sundown until dawn. Here are the steps to follow:
Set up your kwanzaa table: Choose a central location in your home where you can gather with your family and friends. Place the mkeka on the table and put the kinara on top of it.
Arrange the candles in the kinara according to their colors: The black candle should be in the center, the three red candles should be on the left side, and the three green candles should be on the right side.
Place the ear of corn on the mkeka next to the kinara. Put the kikombe cha umoja on the table near the kinara. You can also decorate your table with other items that represent African culture, such as fruits, nuts, books, art, or music.
Light the black candle on the first night: On December 26, gather around the kwanzaa table with your family and friends. The eldest person or the leader of the group should light the black candle in the center of the kinara. This candle represents umoja, which means unity in Swahili. It is the first principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of being united as a people and as a family.
Drink or pour from the unity cup: After lighting the black candle, take turns to drink or pour from the kikombe cha umoja. As you do so, say “Harambee”, which means “let’s pull together” in Swahili. This is a way of expressing solidarity and gratitude for each other and for your ancestors.
Discuss or reflect on umoja: After drinking or pouring from the unity cup, you can have a discussion or a reflection on what umoja means to you and how you can practice it in your daily life. You can also share stories, poems, songs, or quotes that relate to umoja or any other aspect of African culture or history.
Repeat for each night with a different candle and principle: On each subsequent night of Kwanzaa, you will light one more candle in addition to the ones that are already lit, starting from left to right. Each candle represents a different principle of Kwanzaa, as follows:
December 27: Light the first red candle on the left. This candle represents kujichagulia, which means self-determination in Swahili. It is the second principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of defining and speaking for yourself and your community.
December 28: Light the first green candle on the right. This candle represents ujima, which means collective work and responsibility in Swahili. It is the third principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of working together and supporting each other for the common good.
December 29: Light the second red candle on the left. This candle represents ujamaa, which means cooperative economics in Swahili. It is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of building and maintaining businesses and wealth within your community.
December 30: Light the second green candle on the right. This candle represents nia, which means purpose in Swahili. It is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of having a goal and a vision for yourself and your community.
December 31: Light the third red candle on the left. This candle represents kuumba, which means creativity in Swahili. It is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of using your talents and skills to beautify and improve your community.
January 1: Light the third green candle on the right. This candle represents imani, which means faith in Swahili. It is the seventh and final principle of Kwanzaa and it signifies the importance of believing in yourself, your community, and your ancestors.
Exchange gifts on the last day: On January 1, you will celebrate the last day of Kwanzaa by exchanging zawadi with your family and friends. These gifts should be meaningful and reflect the values and principles of Kwanzaa. You can also have a feast or a party to mark the end of Kwanzaa and to welcome the new year.
Conclusion
Lighting kwanzaa candles is a wonderful way to celebrate African heritage, culture, and values with your family and friends. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this ritual every year and learn more about yourself and your community. Happy Kwanzaa!
