Kwanzaa Symbols

Kwanzaa symbols are some of the major constituents of a successful Kwanzaa celebration. These symbols are the main focus at the feast and are of very great importance in the African- American community because of what each symbol signifies in African culture.http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

Kwanzaa has nine symbols of which there are seven basic ones and two supplementary additions. The Kwanzaa symbols represents the African culture, beliefs and heritage, and they also reflect the strength and unity of the African nations.http://www.novareinna.com/festive/kwanzaa.html These symbols are:

Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles)- pronounced as (mee-shoo-MAH SAH-ba) These candle represents the Nguzo Saba, i.e. the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Kinara (The Candle Holder)- pronounced as (kee-NAH-rah) The kinara holds the Kwanzaa candles and stands for the roots and the foundation of the African culture.http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

Mazao (The Crops)- pronounced as (mah-ZAH-oh) This symbol represent the fertility and richness of the African soil, and the celebration of the great harvest and rewarded collective labor of the people.http://www.history.com/content/kwanzaa/the-seven-symbols

Mkeka (The Mat)- pronounced as (m-KAY-kah) This is a symbol of the achievements and sacrifices of the African ancestors. It also represents the African tradition and history therefore, it is the foundation on which they build.http://www.novareinna.com/festive/kwanzaa.html

Zawadi (The Gifts)- pronounced as (zah-WAH-dee) This symbols stands for labor and love of the African parents transmitted to their children.http://www.history.com/content/kwanzaa/the-seven-symbols

Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup)- pronounced as (kee-KOHM-bay cha oo-MOH-jah). This symbolizes the foundation of unity for the African community.http://www.novareinna.com/festive/kwanzaa.html

Muhindi (The Corn)- pronounced as (moo-HEEN-dee) This symbol represents the African children- that are the future leaders of the African nation.

The two supplemental symbols are:

Nguzo Saba Poster (Poster of The Seven Principles)- pronounced as (n-goo-zoe-sah-bah).

Bendera (The Flag)- pronounced as (ben-day-rah) The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are black, red and green; where black stands for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their life experiences and struggles.http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml