Preparing for Kwanzaa 2011

November 9, 2011

The uncertainty and misfortune which so many have suffered suggest an even stronger call and reason to celebrate Kwanzaa this year. Whatever prosperity or recovery we may attain will be predicated on and go through our families. Hence, as a celebration of family and culture, Kwanzaa gives us the framework to deepen our family bonds and attachments, strengthen our resolve to be better men and women, husbands and wives, friends and lovers, and parents and children.

To gain the greatest value from Kwanzaa, start now preparing for the holiday celebration, bearing in mind that Kwanzaa is about social, cultural, and spiritual renewal. From now to the start of Kwanzaa, December 26^th, we will help you prepare for the Kwanzaa celebration. Let’s start with the Kwanzaa Symbols.

Kwanzaa Symbols

Kwanzaa symbols have a deep symbolic meaning and contribute a rich part to the Kwanzaa celebration. There are seven basic symbols and two supplementary Kwanzaa symbols. The 7 Kwanzaa symbols make up what is called the “Kwanzaa Set” and are an integral component of the Kwanzaa celebration. As explained below, each Kwanzaa symbol has a central place and meaning in the Kwanzaa celebration. For more information and a fuller explanation of the Kwanzaa symbols, please see our Kwanzaa DVD.

Seven Basic Kwanzaa Symbols

Crops/Mazao: Fruits of Labor and Collective Achievements

This Kwanzaa symbol represents rewards that come from the labor and love of parents and other caring adults in the family as well as the achievements of children, i.e., “good grades” or significant achievements by family members.

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Mat/Mkeka: African/American Tradition and History

This Kwanzaa symbol is symbolic of the tradition and history for African Americans both on the continent of Africa and in the United States. All Kwanzaa items are placed on the mat.

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Candleholder/Kinara: Honoring the Ancestors

This Kwanzaa symbol represents our parent people as well as our ancestors- historical and family

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Corn/Muhindi: Children (of the family and community)

This is Kwanzaa symbol represents children. All families regardless of whether they have children place ears of corn on the Kwanzaa Mat in recognition that we all are collectively responsible for the care, welfare, and development of children.

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Unity Cup/Kikombe Cha Umoja: Reinforcing Unity

This Kwanzaa symbol represents and reinforces the first principle of Kwanzaa. Unity is the moral ties that holds the family together and obligates family members to each other.

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Seven Candles/ Mishuuma Saba: Guiding 7 Principles

This Kwanzaa symbol represents The Seven Principles or Nguzo. The Seven Principles are guiding principles of family and community life.

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-Gifts/Zawadi: Rewards for Kwanzaa Commitments

-This Kwanzaa symbol represents the work, commitment, sacrifice and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by children. Kwanzaa gift giving is primarily directed at children and is not mandatory (See Kwanzaa DVD). Whatever parents may give, they must give a book and heritage symbol is mandatory.

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Kwanzaa Supplemental Symbols

Kwanzaa has two supplemental symbols- the Bendera and Nguzo Saba Poster. These Kwanzaa symbols are optional.

Flag/Bendera: African American National Flag