Celebrating KWANZAA Todaypage 5 / 6
Here is how Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated:
1. Spread a mkeka, a placemat usually made of straw, on a table or on the floor.
2. Add the mishumaa saba, or seven candles, to the kinara and place that in the center of the mekaka.
3. Arrange the muhindi, or ears of corn—one for each child in the family or two if no children are present—on each side of the mekaka.
4. Arrange the zawadi, educational or handmade gifts to be exchanged between parents and children, kikombe cha umoja, a communal cup to symbolize unity, and a basket of mazao, fruits and vegetables to symbolize the harvest, on the mkeka.
5. Place African art objects or books about African culture on the mkeka to symbolize commitment to heritage and learning.
6. On the first day of Kwanzaa, light the black candle. The remaining candles are lit, one each day of the celebration, from left to right to signify that the people came first, then their struggle and finally their hope and the future.
7. Each night, prior to lighting the kinara, pour tambiko, or libation such as water, grape juice or wine, into the kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup. Pour drops of tambiko on the floor in the four corners of the room to represent the four corners of the globe. This is done to honor ancestors. Pass the unity cup so that all may take a sip.
