What do kwanzaa mean

Mkeka: Place Mat - Just as the crops stand on the mkeka, the present day stands on the past. The mkeka symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for people to stand on and build their lives. Muhindi: Ear of Corn - The stalk of corn represents fertility and the idea that through children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One vibunzi is placed on the mat for every child in the family. There are three red candles, three green candles, and one black candle that are placed on the kinara.

Kinara: The Candleholder - The kinara represents our ancestry, and the original stalk from which we came. Every family member and guest will take a drink together as a sign of unity and remembrance. Zawadi: Gifts - On the seventh day of Kwanzaa, gifts are given to encourage growth, achievement, and success.

Handmade gifts are encouraged to promote self-determination, purpose, and creativity. America is a diverse country, full of cultural traditions. If you really want to experience the USA, consider applying to an American internship to see the country while simultaneously furthering your career! InterExchange is proud to have an experienced team that is dedicated to international cultural exchange.

We come from a variety of backgrounds, but nearly every member of our New York City-based staff has extensive experience traveling, working, or living abroad. Umoja means unity in Swahili. Karenga defines this on his Kwanzaa website as: "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Or self-determination. This principle refers to defining, naming, creating and speaking for oneself. Translated as "collective work and responsibility," ujima refers to uplifting your community. Cooperative economics. Though often thought of as an alternative to Christmas , many people actually celebrate both. Kwanzaa centers around seven principles.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa, as determined by Karenga, are umoja unity , kujichagulia self-determination , ujima collective work and responsibility , ujamaa cooperative economics , nia purpose , kuumba creativity and imani faith. Kwanzaa also has seven symbols—mazao crops , mkeka mat , kinara candleholder , muhindi corn , kikombe cha umoja unity cup , zawadi gifts and mishumaa saba seven candles —that are traditionally arranged on a table.

Three of the seven candles are red, representing the struggle; three of the candles are green, representing the land and hope for the future; and one of the candles is Black, representing people of African descent. Mark US English. Daniel British. Libby British. Mia British.

Karen Australian. Hayley Australian. Natasha Australian. Veena Indian. Priya Indian. Neerja Indian. Zira US English. Oliver British. Wendy British.