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KUJICHAGULIA or SELF-DETERMINATION UJMA or COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY UJAMMA or COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS NIA or PURPOSE KUUMBA or CREATIVITY IMANMI or FAITH
The day after Christmas marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a seven day celebration of African-American culture and life. Kwanzaa is not a religous holiday; its purpose is to focus on African history, Folklore, music and food to celebrate, honor and respect the past and future of African-Americans. Kwanzaa is filled with symbolic elements. The table is set with a straw mat called mkeka, a goblet, a bowl of fresh fruits, and vegetables, and ears of corn. The mkeka symbolizes tradition and history. The goblet represents unity and is passed from guest to guest to frink from. The fresh fruits and vegetables represent a successful harvest and each ear of corn represents children and hopes for the future. At Kwanzaa, families also display a Kinara, a symbolic candleholder. Each of the seven candles in the Kinara has a meaning: There is one black candle, signifying people of African descent; three red candles, emblematic of the blood shed by ancestors; and three green candles representing the future. On each day of Kwanzaa, one candle is lit to honor each of the seven principles of the holiday. Unity, Self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose and faith. The final day of Kwanzaa is marked by a feast called Karamu. Foods served at the Karamu are chosen for the way they reflect African-American history and are usually dishes from Africa or the Caribbean or are traditional African-American dishes with roots in those cultures.
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