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Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa takes place from December 26 to January 1, a time that some African cultures
called "the edges of the time when the year meets", and is traditionally spent in
celebration, focus and assessment. Kwanzaa means "first fruits of harvest" in Swahili. It
combines traditional African practices with Afro-American aspirations and ideals.

Kwanzaa is represented by seven symbols. All seven symbols are put on a straw mat.
The celebrants use the unity cup to pour libations for the ancestors, and they drink
from it to reinforce unity in the family and community. The seven candles in a kinara
are lit alternately from left to right. In the evening, family members light one of
the seven candles in a kinara and discuss the principle for the day. On the first
night, the black candle in the center, symbolizing the black race, is lit. On
the second night, the black one and the first candle to its left, a red one, symbolizing
their struggle; on the third night, the first two and the green one to the right of
the black one, which symbolizes the future and hope which comes from the
struggle; and so on each night, alternating left to right.

Gifts, such as books or heritage symbols relating to the history, culture, or community of
African Americans are exchanged; they are primarily given to children, but other family
members can exchange gifts. Some of the gifts are homemade. Near the end of
the holiday, the community gathers for a feast called karamu. A typical karamu features
traditional African food, ceremonies honoring the ancestors, assessments of the
old year and commitments for the new, performances, music, and dancing.

More on Kwanzaa here...

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Kwanzaa seven principles: "Nguzo Saba"

umoja (unity)
kujichagulia (self-determination)
ujima (collective work and responsibility)
ujamaa (cooperative economics)
nia (purpose)
kuumba (creativity)
imani (faith)

The karumu room or venue might be decorated in the colors of black unity, red, black, and green. And the holiday table originally outlined by creator Maulana Karenga should include seven symbolic items:

a straw placemat (mkeka)
a holder for seven candles (kinara)
the candles (mishumaa)
a variety of fruit (mazao)
an ear of corn for each child in the home (vibunzi)
a unity cup (kikombe cha umoja)
and modest gifts (zawadi)

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Beautiful Candles For The Holidays

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kwanzaa info adapted from compton's encyclopedia,
Encarta, Associated Press, CNN.com, and other references

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