What is the purpose of a kinara?

What is the purpose of a kinara?

Symbols of Kwanzaa There are symbols which have a special meaning to the celebration of Kwanzaa. The mkeka is a straw mat which symbolizes the tradition as the foundation on which all else rests. The kinara is a seven-space candle holder, representing the original stalk from which the African people originated.

What is the kinara and what does it symbolize?

The word kinara is a Swahili word that means candle holder. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. Red, green, and black are the symbolic colors of the holiday. During the week of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit on the kinara each day.

What is Kwanzaa and why is it celebrated?

Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January. Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Karenga created this festival for Afro-Americans as a response to the commercialism of Christmas.

How does a kinara work?

A kinara hold seven candles, three red ones on the left, three green ones on the right with a black candle in the center. Each night during Kwanzaa a candle is lit. The black, center, candle is lit first and then it alternates between the red and green candles stating with the ones on the outside and moving inwards.

What are the 3 primary symbols of Kwanzaa?

The primary symbols of Kwanzaa are the seven candles (Mishumaa Sabaa), which represent the seven principles (more on that below), the candle holder (Kinara), unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja), placemat (Mkeka), crops (Mazao), corn (Muhindi), and gifts (Zawadi).

What order do you light Kinara?

According to the Official Kwanzaa Website, the proper order of lighting the Kinara is to:

1. First day: Light the black candle on the first day of Kwanzaa.
2. Second day: You’ll light the black candle and the far left red candle.
3. Third day: You’ll light the black candle and the two far left red candles.

What order do you light kinara?

What religion is Kwanzaa?

“Thus, Africans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, i.e. Muslims, Christians, Black Hebrews, Jews, Buddhists, Baha’i and Hindus, as well as those who follow the ancient traditions of Maat, Yoruba, Ashanti, Dogon, etc.” According to Karenga, non-Black people can also enjoy Kwanzaa, just as non-Mexicans …

What is a symbol of Kwanzaa?

The primary symbols of Kwanzaa are the seven candles (Mishumaa Sabaa), which represent the seven principles (more on that below), the candle holder (Kinara), unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja), placemat (Mkeka), crops (Mazao), corn (Muhindi), and gifts (Zawadi). All items are displayed on the Mkeka.

What do the 7 days of Kwanzaa mean?

The seven-day period of Kwanzaa is meant to be a time of celebration, reflection, affirmation and connection.

What are the 7 symbols of Kwanzaa?

These represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa – unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Does Kwanzaa replace Christmas?

Other African-American Holidays Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karengain Los Angeles in 1966.

Which is the best definition of the word kinara?

Define kinara. kinara synonyms, kinara pronunciation, kinara translation, English dictionary definition of kinara. n. A candleholder holding one black, three red, and three green candles, used in celebrating Kwanzaa. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,… Kinara – definition of kinara by The Free Dictionary

What do the candles on the kinara stand for?

— Savannah Eadens, The Courier-Journal, 23 Dec. 2019 The kinara holds seven candles, one black, three red and three green, which represent the people, the struggle and the future.

What are the different colors of the kinara?

Red, green, and black are the symbolic colors of the holiday. During the week of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit on the kinara each day. The center black candle is lit first, and the lighting then proceeds from left to right, the new candle being lit corresponding to the principle of that day.

How are the days of the kinara celebrated?

Each day of the festival is dedicated to a specific principal, marked by lighting a new candle on the kinara, a seven-branched candelabra.