Maddie James
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage that takes place annually between December 26 and January 1. A central part of the celebration is the nightly lighting of the kinara, a candle holder with seven branches. Each night, a new candle is lit on the kinara, with the centre black candle lit first, followed by the remaining candles from left to right. But how long should the Kwanzaa candles be?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 7 |
| Colors | Black, red, green |
| Black candles | 1 |
| Red candles | 3 |
| Green candles | 3 |
| Candle holder | Kinara |
| Mat | Mkeka |
| Placement of black candle | Center |
| Placement of red candles | Left of the black candle |
| Placement of green candles | Right of the black candle |
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What You'll Learn
The kinara is a seven-branched candle holder
The kinara is placed on a straw mat called a mkeka, along with other symbolic items such as a fruit basket, a unity cup, and an ear of corn to celebrate the children in the family. The kinara is the focal point of the Kwanzaa display, and each night of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit, beginning with the black candle. The lighting then proceeds from left to right, with the new candle corresponding to the principle of that day. For example, the first day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to umoja, or unity. As the black candle is lit and the unity cup is passed around, participants discuss what unity means to them and their families.
The kinara was first used in 1966 when Maulana Karenga and other US Organisation members wanted to celebrate Kwanzaa using a candle holder with seven holes. The following year, US Organisation member Buddy Rose-Aminifu crafted the first kinara, which was a simple design made from a wooden log with holes drilled into it to hold the candles.
The kinara and the nightly lighting of the candles are central parts of the Kwanzaa celebration, honouring African heritage and the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
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The black candle is lit first on the first day
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage that takes place annually between December 26th and January 1st. The lighting of the kinara, a special candelabra, is a central part of the celebration. The kinara holds the mishumaa saba, or seven candles, which represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The candles are one black candle, three red, and three green. The black candle represents the first principle, umoja, or unity, and is placed in the centre of the kinara. The red candles represent the principles of kujichagulia (self-determination), ujamaa (cooperative economics), and kuumba (creativity), and are placed to the left of the black candle. The green candles represent the principles of ujima (collective work and responsibility), nia (purpose), and imani (faith), and are placed to the right of the black candle.
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The red candles represent the struggle of the people
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage, observed annually from December 26 to January 1. The holiday is marked by a nightly candle-lighting ceremony, with each candle representing one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The candles, known as Mishumaa Saba, are placed in a kinara (candle holder). The kinara is set up in the middle of the mkeka (mat), which is placed on a table covered with a colourful African cloth.
The red candles represent the principles of Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), and Kuumba (creativity). They symbolise the struggle of the people, the blood that has been shed, and the blood that is still being shed. The colour red is also meant to evoke the principle of Kujichagulia, or self-determination, reflecting the struggle for freedom and self-governance. This principle is about defining, naming, and speaking for oneself, as well as the collective pursuit of African Americans to define themselves, author their own story, and determine their own destiny.
On the second day of Kwanzaa, the black candle (which symbolises unity) and the leftmost red candle are lit. On the third day, the black candle and the two leftmost red candles are lit. On the fourth day, all three red candles are lit, from left to right.
The lighting of the candles is a highly ceremonial affair. Families may recite the principle that each candle represents as they light it, or name deceased family members they associate with a specific principle. Some families offer a prayer at the beginning or end of the ceremony, or both.
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The green candles represent hope and a bright future
The Kwanzaa celebration involves lighting candles of three colours: black, red, and green. The black candle is lit first, followed by the red and then the green candles. The black candle represents unity, the red candles represent the struggles of the African people, and the three green candles represent hope and a bright future.
The lighting of the candles is a meaningful ritual that invites reflection and inspires hope. The green candles, in particular, embody the principle of Ujima, which stands for collective work and responsibility. They symbolise the richness of the land in Africa and the abundant possibilities that the future holds for African Americans.
The Kwanzaa celebration is a joyous time for families to come together, reflect, and celebrate their African heritage. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st, with one candle being lit each night to represent a key principle. The candles are placed in a specific order in the kinara, a special candle holder. The black candle is placed in the centre, with the three red candles to its left and the three green candles to its right.
Families are encouraged to personalise the celebration and incorporate their own ceremonial practices when lighting the kinara. Some families recite the principle that each candle represents, while others name deceased family members associated with a specific principle. Many families include prayers at the beginning or end of the ceremony, and some offer gifts to their children on the first day of Kwanzaa.
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Each candle is lit according to the numbering of the principles
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture, taking place annually between December 26th and January 1st. A central part of the celebration is the nightly lighting of the kinara—a special candelabra. The kinara holds the mishumaa saba, or seven candles, which represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Each night, a new candle is lit, dedicating that day to the contemplation of one of the seven principles.
The candles are lit according to the numbering of the principles. On the first day of Kwanzaa, the black candle, which represents the principle of umoja (unity), is lit. It is placed in the centre of the kinara to stress the priority of the people. The red candles, placed to the left of the black candle, represent the principles of kujichagulia (self-determination), ujamaa (cooperative economics), and kuumba (creativity). The green candles, placed to the right of the black candle, represent the principles of ujima (collective work and responsibility), nia (purpose), and imani (faith).
After the black candle is lit on the first day, the remaining candles are lit from left to right on the following days, alternating between red and green. The red candles are lit to show the importance of struggle, while the green candles represent the good future that is forged through struggle. Each night of Kwanzaa, the black candle is replaced and lit first, with a fresh candle being used each night.
The lighting of the candles is accompanied by various activities, such as reciting the words of great black thinkers and writers, sharing a meal of African-inspired foods, and discussing the principle of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no standard length for Kwanzaa candles. However, they should be long enough to burn for the duration of the celebration.
You should have seven Kwanzaa candles, also known as Mishumaa Saba. One candle is lit each night to represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
There should be one black candle, three red candles, and three green candles. The black candle represents the people, the red candles represent the struggle and blood shed, and the green candles represent the richness of the land in Africa and hope for the future.
