Kwanzaa     Kwanzaa, which means "first" or "first fruits of the harvest" was founded by Dr. Maulana  Ron Karenga in 1966.  It is a seven day holiday to remind African Americans of their ancestors and their struggle for freedom. It also is about communities and families coming together. It begins on every 26th day of December and ends on New Years Day.  African Americans who participate in this holiday should remember their ancestors and try to follow the Nguzo Saba the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.
   The number seven is also an important number.   Their are seven letters in the word KWANZAA. There are seven principles to be reminded of and seven things that are represented in Kwanzaa.  Those symbols are: the mkeka, kinara, mishuma saba, muhindi, kikombe cha umoja, zawadi and the karamu.  The color red, represents the blood of the people that was shed during their struggle for freedom.  The color black, represents the color of their skin, and green represents the land and the harvest after their struggle.
    On New Years Eve, zawadi (gifts) are given to the children for keeping promises they made to their parents during the year, but one gift per day may be given also.  The karamu (feast) is held and many families come together to eat and celebrate the holiday.  Singing and dancing also take place during the feast.
 

   The Mkeka and the Mazao Lay on the Altar

    The mazao (vegetables) symbolize the harvest of the year.  It reminds the people to be grateful after their struggle.  The muhindi (corn) symbolizes the children that may be present in the home.  It also represents the children of Africa. A single ear of corn is placed for each child in the home.  If no children are present in the home then one ear of corn is usually placed on the mkeka (mat).  Three ears of corn were chosen because three interns worked on this project.  The mkeka represents the foundation for self actualization.  The Kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) is used to pour libations to African ancestors.
 
          Kinara and the Mishuma Saba     The Kinara (candleholder) represents the principles, and the Mishuma Saba (candles) represent the individual principles which are called the Nguzo Saba.
   Nguzo Saba Umoja - unity Kujichagulia - self determination Ujima - collective work and responsibility Ujamaa - cooperative economics Nia - purpose Kuumba - creativity Imani - Faith