Kwanzaa

Despite popular belief, Kwanzaa is not an alternative holiday to Christmas; it is a very special seven-day celebration of the African American community that solidifies family and cultural ties, and honours history and ancestral experience. Because of the emphasis of the holiday on personal connections, Kwanzaa does not require elaborate decorations or gifts; the traditional props for the celebration are quite simple: a straw mat, a seven-piece candleholder , coloured candles, fruits and vegetables (but especially corn), a community cup, and generally African (as opposed to Western) decorations. "Kuumba" or creativity is greatly encouraged during Kwanzaa, and that applies to its symbols too--feel free to make your own placemates (mkeka) or candleholder (kinara). But whether you're buying or making to celebrate, consult the pictures below to be sure you'll have everything you'll need for a happy Kwanzaa.

The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)

These are a list of guides for African American life that are celebrated on Kwanzaa; being familiar with them might help you choose the perfect Zawadi to reflect the spirit of the holiday.

1. Umoja (Unity):  to work towards and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): to define and identify ourselves, speak for ourselves, and create for ourselves.
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): to build and maintain our community together and help on another with problems as if they are our own.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): to build and maintain our own businesses and profit from them together.
5. Nia (Purpose): to make it our collective goal to build and develop our community for the benefit of everyone in it.
6. Kuumba (Creativity): to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community a more beautiful and accommodating place.
7. Imani (Faith): to believe with all our hearts in our people, parents, teachers, leaders, and the good purpose of our struggle, as well as its eventual success.

The Seven Symbols

You'll notice there are nine symbols here; that's because two additional objects, the flag and the poster listing the Seven Principles, are optional. Make sure you have the first seven symbols though for a complete display!

Mkeka  (The Mat, "tradition") The Mkeka is the first thing you'll need, and perhaps the most important; it represents the foundation of true knowledge and understanding that all the other symbols of Kwanzaa must rest upon (both literally and figuratively--this is where the kinara will rest!). You can purchase a plain straw mat, or weave your own out of cloth. Be sure to stick to non-western colors and themes, but use plenty of Kuumba!	Kinara  (The Candleholder, "roots") The Kinara is the organizing unit of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The holder itself represents the history and tradition of Continental African culture and ancestors, while the individual candles it holds each representing a principle. The look of the kinara does not matter; buy one, or make your own with screw-in candle holders and a piece of wood. Just be sure you don't buy a menorah!	Mishumaa Saba  (The Candles, "The 7 Principles") Once you have your Kinara, you'll need seven candles to fit it: three red, three green, and one black one, which goes in the center and is lit first. Lighting of the candles then alternates between furthest red and green, and as each one is set aflame, the principle it symbolizes is discussed. The actually lighting of the Mishumaa Saba is a duty that can be given to any member of the family, but usually the youngest child.	Kikombe cha Umoja  (Chalice, "Unity") The unity cup is used for the libation ceremony on day six of Kwanzaa, in honor of ancestors. A simple chalic in shape, you can buy a plain one and decorate it however you choose.

Muhindi  (Corn, "Offspring/The Future") Muhindi represents parenthood. If you have children, place the same number of ears on your mat as children you have. But even if you don't, an ear decorating your mkeka will represent your duty to the community's younger members.	Mazao  (The Crops, "Rewards of Work") Since Kwanzaa is modelled on the harvest festivals of Continental Africa, the fruits of the collective work that brought people together in eventual celebration are a necessary symbol. African fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all great--just be sure you don't display them in a cornucopia, which is a Western.	Bendera  (Flag) Bendera is the Swahili word for flag. While not one of the seven objects for the mkeka, the Bendera is still representative of the beliefs of Kwanzaa. Hang one to decorate your Kwanzaa space and the red, black, and green bands will respectively symbolize struggle, unity, and hope--cornerstones of African American history, and its movement into the future.

Zawadi (Gifts)

Gifts given on Kwanzaa are given on merit, as a reward for hard work and commitments made and kept to the family and community. When parents give presents to children, they recognize their child's good behaviour and encourage it to continue, but depending on the nature of the gift, they' can also encourage their child to develop and grow. 

Here are some gifts that entertain and teach children about their culture and history:

Children's Books	History of Africans in the United States	History Books  about Ancient African Civilizations

Artistic gifts honour the principle of Kuumba, which upholds that each member of the community should do his best to leave the world a more beautiful and beneficial place than he was born into. Presents of art inspire and stimulate children to create on their own.

Ankh Jewellery	African Sculpture	African Music : Traditional ,modern , and jazz	African Clothing

Though commercialism is discouraged during Kwanzaa, you may find that decorations or gifts with a professional touch are still nice--especially if you personalize them by  writing a note in a card or having a picture frame inscribed. Store-bought guides, such as cookbooks, may be a great learning tool if you're new to the traditions.

Stickers	Greeting Cards	Cookbooks  and Craft Books	Picture Frames	Decorations