By: YSimone and D.F.

We love Kwanzaa! This seven day celebration was first established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a non-religious African American holiday. Traditionally celebrated from December 26th through January 1st, Kwanzaa is a special time during which Africans and African Americans honor their families, communities and culture.

The Kinara: The Candleholder

The Seven Candles (Mishumbaa Saba)
Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle. A candle is lit each day to embrace each of the seven. Say each one as an affirmation to bring more light into your life and watch what happens!

Day 1 – Unity (Umoja)

On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit, representing the first principle of Kwanzaa.

We strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Day 2 – Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)

On the second day the black candle is again lit, as well as the farthest red candle on the left. This represents the 2nd principle of Kwanzaa.

We define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Day 3 – Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)

On the third day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green candle. This represents the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa.

We build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems -solving them together.

Day 4 – Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)

On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green. Then the next red candle on the left. This represents the 4th principle of Kwanzaa.
We build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and profit from them together.

Day 5 – Purpose (Nia)

On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the 5th principle of Kwanzaa.
Our collective vocation is the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their greatness.

Day 6 – Creativity (Kuumba)

On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle. This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa.

We strive to always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Day 7- Faith (Imani)

On the seventh day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red candle, the next green, the final red and then the final green candle. This represents the 7th principle of Kwanzaa.

We believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

On the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa all candles in the Kinara are lit. When the night is done, the family takes one last drink from the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished. Kwanzaa is over till next year.

Practicing Kwanzaa Year Round- Affirmations and Activities Around the Seven Principles

Learn how to make your own eco-friendly Kinara!

Kwanza Gifts (Zawadi )
What’s better than a fabulous day to give and receive gifts? 7 fabulous days to give and receive gifts!! Shop some of these great gifts ideas for the seven days of Kwanzaa. And remember, it’s important to buy gifts that represent encouragement for determination and achievement. Gifts related to education, African and African-American culture, or the arts make good Zawadi too.

Traditional Black Jambo Tea

Handwoven WorldMarket Baskets Make Great Gifts!

Beautiful Batik African Textiles

Kwanzaa Recipe: Carmel Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup arborio rice or short-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 drops hot water

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan cook and stir uncooked rice in hot butter or margarine for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in milk and cinnamon (mixture may spatter). Bring to a low boil. Cover and cook over low heat about 30 minutes or until most of the milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally. (Mixture may appear curdled.) Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla. Swirl in caramel ice cream topping. Transfer to four individual serving bowls. Keep warm.
2. In a small saucepan heat the 1/4 cup sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking saucepan occasionally to heat sugar evenly. Do not stir until sugar begins to melt. Reduce heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until sugar is melted and golden in color. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the 2 drops hot water. Quickly drizzle topping over each serving of rice pudding. Makes 4 servings.

   http://www.bhg.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?recipeId=R036216