What is the significance of the seven Kwanzaa candles and symbols?
Seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) representing the colors of the African flag – one black, three red and three green – are lit during the celebration and signify the seven principals (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. Each day a new candle is lit, until all seven are burning. The candles are placed in a Kinara (candelabra) with the single black candle in the middle, three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. The ritual is similar to the lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah or lighting advent candles during Christmas celebrations. Day 1 – Black, Umoja (Unity): success starts with unity of the family, of the community, of the nation, and of the race. Day 2 – Red, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – create one’s own destiny. Day 3 – Green, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) – build one’s community, working together to help one another. Day 4 – Red, Ujamaa (Collective Economics) – support community businesses, stores and establishments. Day 5 – Green, Nia (Purpose) –
