Symbols of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa's name is derived from the Swahili "matunda ya kwanza" ("first fruits") as a nominal symbol of the Pan-Africanist movement that arose among Black Americans during the racially tumultuous (and revolutionary) era of the 1960's. Just as the name itself serves as a symbol, the traditional Kwanzaan celebration features plenty of colorful garments and artistic fixtures symbolically worn and used in its many traditional activities over the seven day holiday.- The kinara is a special seven-cup candle holder in which you place and light one candle for each of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. The arrangement of seven candles is traditionally called Mishumaa Saba. The candles traditionally have specific colors: Three candles on the kinara's left are red, the middle candle is black and the three on the right are green, symbolizing the colors of the Bendera (African Flag).Similar to Hanukkah, a successive number of candles are lit each day of Kwanzaa: One on the first day, two on the second and so on until all seven are lit on the final day. Traditionally, the black candle is lit first, then the far left red candle, then the far right green candle, then the next farthest of each remaining candle in that order.- Kwanzaa clothing: Men traditionally wear a Dashiki, a Kwanzaan themed suit or loose fitting full-body top with a V-shaped collar, along with a short brimless cap called a kufi. Women traditionally dress in a similar Kwanzaan dress called a Kaftan or boubou.Whether or not such clothing is traditionally worn by celebrants, many make it a point to wear the clothing throughout the seven day Kwanzaa holiday.- Symbols also were a part of Kwanzaa's original isolationist mentality. Founder Ron Karenga and Kwanzaa observers originally avoided mixing Kwanzaa symbols with symbols of Christmas and other winter holidays, as Kwanzaa was intended to be a separate, distinct holiday for African Americans to observe.But this stance relented as the civil rights movement led to equal rights and cultural acceptance for Black Americans. Christian churches in America accepted Black Americans and the African American movement shifted from its isolationism. Ron Karenga adjusted many of Kwanzaa's principles to focus on open acceptance of all cultures in Kwanzaa's celebration of African heritage. Many homes celebrating Kwanzaa now feature a Kwanzaan kinara placed right alongside a Christmas tree in the same room.Like many December holidays, Kwanzaa's symbols play a big part in its traditional celebrations and getting people in the spirit of the seven day holiday.
