The Symbols of Kwanzaa
There are seven primary symbols of Kwanzaa that correspond with the seven days and the special principles associated with them. These symbols of Kwanzaa serve as instructive and inspirational objects that represent and reinforce desirable principles, concepts and practices as reflective of both traditional and modern concepts which evolved out of the lives and struggles of African-American people. There are also some secondary symbols which are worth knowing and we have included in the article below.

1. Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh) - the crops. As the result of the harvest, Mazao represents productive labor.

2. Mkeka (m-KAY-kah) - the mat. The Mkeka is a straw mat on which all the other items are placed. This is the symbol of tradition and hence the foundation on which all the other symbols rest.

3. Kinara (kee-NAH-rah) - the candleholder.  The Kinara is a candle-holder which holds seven candles and represents the original stalk from which we all sprang. For it is traditionally said that the First-Born is like a stalk of corn which produces corn, which in turn becomes stalk, which reproduces in the same manner so that there is no ending to us. So the Kinara symbolizes the importance of African ancestors.

4. Muhindi (moo-HEEN-dee) - the corn. Muhindi represents children and the future; it may also be referred to as Vibunzi, which means one ear of corn. So the ear of corn represents the offspring or product (the children) of the stalk (the father of the house). It signifies the ability or potential of the offsprings, themselves, to become stalks (parents), and thus produce their offspring -- a process which goes on indefinitely, and insures the immortality of the Nation. To illustrate this, we use as many ears of corn as we have children which again signifies the number of potential stalks (parents). Every house has at least one ear of corn; for there is always the potential even if it has not yet been realized.

5. Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) - the gifts. The full meaning encompasses gifts given as an act of sharing and a labor of love. So the presents represent 1) the fruits of the labor of the parents, and 2) the rewards of the seeds sown by the children. Parents must commit their children to goodness which to us is beauty. We must commit them to good acts, good thoughts, good grades, etc., for the coming year and reward them according to how well they live up to their commitments. Goodness, again, is beauty and beauty is that which promises happiness to the family and community. For all acts, thoughts and values are invalid if they do not in some way benefit the community.

6. Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-KOHM-bay chah oo-MOH-jah) - the unity cup. This represents family unity and community union. It thus symbolizes the first principle of Kwanzaa. It is used to pour the libation for our ancestors; and each member of the immediate family or extended family drinks from it in a reinforcing gesture of honor, praise, collective work and commitment to continue the struggle began by our ancestors.

7. Mshumaa Saba (mee-shoo-MAH SAH-ba) - the seven candles. Mishumaa Saba symbolize the Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba. In other words they represent the Seven Principles on which the First-Born sat up our society in order that our people would get the maximum from it. They are Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Secondary Symbols

Bendera Ya Taifa (The Flag)
The flag of Black Nationalism symbolizes the struggle of Liberation. The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are the colors of the Organization Us, black, red and green; black for the people, red for our struggle, the blood of our ancestors, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle, reminding us of the land, life and new ideas we must continue to strive to obtain. It is based on the colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people throughout the world.

Nguzo Saba (En-GOO-zoh Sah-BAH)
Symbolizes the seven principles of Kwanzaa which were developed by Maulana Ron Karenga. The Nguzo Saba are social principles dealing with ways for us to relate to each other and rebuild our lives in our own images.

The feast symbolizes the high festive celebration that brings the community together to exchange and to give thanks to the Creator for their accomplishments during the year. It is held on the night of December 31 and includes food, drink, music, dance, conversation, laughter and ceremony.

Symbolizes the libation by which honor is given in a special way to our ancestors and a call to carry out the struggle and the work they began. It clearly symbolizes the recognition of and respect for the contributions of those before us, our history and the models it offers us to emulate.

Symbolizes a call to unity and collective work and struggle. The word means Let's pull together!

Habari Gani
What's the news; what's happening Swahili term used when greeting others.

Swahili term used as an expression of parting with good wishes and an expectancy to meet again.