The seven symbols of Kwanzaa

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000 | 9:43 a.m.

Mazao: Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables

Mazao, the crops, symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation of Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work.

Mkeka: Place Mat

The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for people to stand on and build their lives because today stands on yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka.

Vibunzi: Ear of Corn

The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One ear is called vibunzi and two or more ears are called mihindi. Each ear symbolizes a child in the family; thus, one ear is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family.

Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles

Candles are ceremonial objects with two primary purposes: to re-create symbolically the sun's power and to provide light. There are three red candles, three green and one black. During Kwanzaa, one candle, representing one principle, is lit each day.

Kinara: The Candleholder

The kinara is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents the original stalk from which people came - their ancestry.

Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup

The kikombe cha umoja is a special cup that is used to perform the libation ritual during the Karamu feast on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. During the Karamu feast, the unity cup is passed to family members and guests, who drink from it to promote unity.

Zawadi: Gifts

When Imani is celebrated on the seventh day of Kwanzaa, meaningful zawadi are given to encourage growth, self-determination, achievement and success. Gifts are exchanged with members of the immediate family, especially children, to promote or reward accomplishments and commitments kept. Handmade gifts are encouraged.