How to Light Kwanzaa Candles

• by Trent
• Also try: How to Celebrate Kwanzaa | Mahalo's Guide to Kwanza

Introduction

• There are many steps one must take to enjoy Kwanzaa and none are as important as lighting the candles (Mishumaa Saba) in the candle holder (Kinara). Like the menorah during Hanukkah, each candle represents a different day. However, each Mishumaa Saba not only corresponds to a day, but one of The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Read further to find out the order of Mishumaa Saba lighting.

Lighting the Kinara

Lighting the Mishumaa Saba (CC Photo by cobb_tcb)

• When placing the Mishumaa Saba in the Kinara, the black candle represents the first principle, Umoja (Unity) and is placed in the center of the Kinara. The red candles represent the principles Kujichagulia, Ujamaa and Kuumba and are placed to the left of the black candle. The green candles represent the principles Ujima, Nia and Imani and are placed to the right of the black candle. The black candle is lit on the first day and each candle is lit on alternating sides starting on the outside and working in each day.

1. Day one: Light the black candle (Umoja).
2. Day two: Light the black candle and the far left red candle (Kujichagulia).
3. Day three: Light the black, red and far-right green candle (Ujima).
4. Day four: Light the aforementioned three candles and the second red candle (Ujamaa).
5. Day five: Light the previous four candles and the second green candle (Nia).
6. Day six: Light the previous five candles and the last red candle (Kuumba).
7. Day seven: Light all candles including the third green candle (Imani).

Resources for How to Light Kwanzaa Candles

• Holidays.net: Lighting the Kinara