Brooke Martin
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage that takes place between December 26th and January 1st. The nightly lighting of the kinara, a seven-branched candle holder, is a central part of the celebration. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The black candle, symbolizing unity, is lit first on the first day of Kwanzaa, followed by the remaining candles from left to right on the following days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 7 |
| Color of candles | Black, red, and green |
| Symbolic meaning of colors | Black represents African people, red their struggles, and green hope for the future |
| Arrangement of candles | Three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right, and a single black candle in the center |
| First candle lit | The black candle is lit first |
| Subsequent lighting order | From left to right |
| Day all candles are lit | Seventh day |
| Name of all seven candles | Mishumaa Saba |
| Name of candle holder | Kinara |
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What You'll Learn
The black candle is lit first
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage that takes place between December 26th and January 1st. A central part of the celebration is the nightly lighting of the kinara, a candle holder with seven branches. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green. The black candle represents the first principle, Umoja, or unity, and is placed in the centre of the kinara. The red candles to the left of the black candle represent the principles of self-determination, cooperative economics, and creativity. The green candles to the right of the black candle represent the principles of collective work and responsibility, purpose, and faith.
While there are official guidelines for lighting the kinara, families are encouraged to make the celebration their own and decide on their own ceremonial practices. For example, some families recite the principle that each candle represents as they light it, while others name deceased family members they associate with a specific principle when the corresponding candle is lit. Most families offer a prayer at the beginning or end of the ceremony, or both. In some families, the oldest member lights the black candle, followed by other members lighting the red candles and the children lighting the green candles.
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The candle colours have symbolic meanings
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage, taking place annually between December 26th and January 1st. The lighting of the candles is a central part of the celebration, with the candles themselves holding symbolic meanings. The colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green. Each candle is lit on a specific day of the celebration, with the black candle lit first each night.
The black candle, placed in the centre of the kinara, represents the unity of family, community, nation, and race. It symbolises the people, with the day dedicated to the lighting of this candle called Umoja. The red candles, three of which are placed on the left of the kinara, symbolise the struggles of the African people. The green candles, also three in number and placed on the right, represent the hope for the future that comes from their struggles. Together, the seven candles are known as the mishumaa saba.
The lighting of the candles proceeds from left to right, with the new candle lit corresponding to the principle of that day. The official guidelines suggest lighting the candles in this way to indicate that "the people come first, then the struggle, and then the hope that comes from the struggle". However, some families choose to alternate the lighting of red and green candles, to symbolise hope in the midst of struggle.
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The kinara is a seven-branched candle holder
The colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and 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 the right of the black candle.
The black candle is lit first on the first day of Kwanzaa, with the remaining candles lit from left to right on the following days. On the seventh day, all seven candles are lit, starting with the black candle, then moving to the red candles, and finally the green candles. This procedure symbolises that "the people come first, then the struggle, and then the hope that comes from the struggle".
While there are official guidelines for lighting the kinara, families are encouraged to make the celebration their own and decide on their own ceremonial practices. Some families recite the principle that each candle represents as they light it, while others name deceased family members associated with a specific principle. Many families include prayers at the beginning or end of the ceremony, or both.
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The seven candles represent the Seven Principles
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African-American culture that takes place between December 26 and January 1. It was started by Black nationalist Maulana Karenga in 1966. The holiday is a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage. A central part of the celebration is the nightly lighting of the kinara, a special seven-branched candle holder. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa.
The Seven Principles are represented by the colours of the candles: black, red, and green. The black candle is lit first each night and represents the African people. The red candles symbolize their struggles, and the green candles represent hope for the future. Each night, one more candle is lit, from left to right (red to green). Some families choose to alternate red and green candles to symbolize hope amid struggle.
The first day of Kwanzaa honours Umoja or unity. The goal of unity in the family, community, nation, and race is declared. The second through seventh days of Kwanzaa are dedicated to the contemplation of one of the Seven Principles. Families and communities come together to share a feast, honour their ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and celebrate African and African-American culture.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are a value system organized by seven key principles. The principles give a long cultural biography and start with the invention of civilizations, the first human truths, and the first basic texts of human knowledge. The primary symbols of Kwanzaa are the seven candles, which are called the mishumaa saba.
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The candles are called the mishumaa saba
The candles used in Kwanzaa are called the mishumaa saba. Kwanzaa is a secular holiday that takes place between December 26 and January 1 every year. It was first celebrated in 1966. The name "kinara" refers to the seven-branched candleholder used in Kwanzaa celebrations. The candleholder can be in the shape of straight lines, semicircles, or spirals. The kinara is placed on a mkeka, a woven mat, which is sometimes placed on a table or countertop. The mishumaa saba, or the seven candles, are placed in the kinara. These candles are red, black, and green, with three red candles, three green candles, and a single black candle in the centre. The colours are symbolic and are derived from the red, black, and green flag (bendara) created by Marcus Garvey. The black candle is lit first, followed by the remaining candles, from left to right, on the following days.
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Frequently asked questions
The black candle, which represents the first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja, or unity, is lit first.
The colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green. The black candle represents African people, the red candles symbolise their struggles, and the green represents hope for the future.
On the first night, only the black candle is lit. On the second night, the black candle and the leftmost red candle are lit. On the third night, the black candle and the two leftmost red candles are lit. On the fourth night, the black candle and all three red candles are lit. On the fifth night, the black candle, the three red candles, and the green candle beside the black candle are lit. On the sixth night, the black candle, the three red candles, and the two green candles closest to the black candle are lit. On the seventh and final night, all seven candles are lit.
While there are traditionally established guidelines for celebrating Kwanzaa, families are encouraged to make the celebration their own. Some families recite the principle that each candle represents as they light it, while others name deceased family members associated with a specific principle. Many families offer prayers at the opening or end of the ceremony, or both. In some families, the oldest member lights the black candle, followed by other members lighting the red candles and the children lighting the green candles.
