|
|
| Kwanzaa Words
A is pronounced: like the 'ah' in 'FATHER'
E is pronounced:
I is pronounced:
O is pronounced:
U is pronounced:
Habari gani (hah-BAR-ee GAH-nee) Swahili term used to greet another person.
Kwaheri
Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri |
The Symbols of Kwanzaa | ||
| Mkeka (muh-KAY-kah) The mkeka is a straw mat. All of the other symbols of Kwanzaa are put on top of it. |  |
||
| Mishumaa (mee-SHOO-mah) The seven candles of Kwanzaa are called mishumaa. They represent the Seven Principles. |  |
||
| Kinara (kee-NAR-ah) The kinara is the candle holder. It represents the stalk from which all life springs. |  |
||
| Karamu (kah-RAH-moo) karamu is the name for the feast of Kwanzaa. It is a time when the community gets together to give thanks for their accomplishments during the past year. There is not only food, but music, dance, and lots of laughter and conversation. The feast is held on the evening of December 31. |  |
||
| Kikombe Cha Umoja (kee-COMB-bay chah oo-MOW-jah) The kikombe cha umoja is a cup of unity. Everyone at the feast will sip from it. |  |
||
| Muhindi (moo-HEEN-dee) The muhindi are ears of corn. There is supposed to be one ear of corn for each child. Children are one of the most important things being celebrated at Kwanzaa. |  |
||
| Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) The zawadi are the gifts of Kwanzaa. Gifts are suppoed to be creative and often are made by hand. When the gifts are bought from a store, they are often educational (like a book) or inspirational (like artwork). |  |
| m e n u |
 What is Kwanzaa? Find out how the holiday started and what it's all about |
 How Does it Work? Discover how Kwanzaa is celebrated |
 The Seven Principles Read about the seven things that are most important at Kwanzaa |
 Kwanzaa Symbols Learn about the symbols for the holiday |