KINARA (Kee-nah-rah)

Candle Holder

MISHUMAA SABA
(Mee-shoo-maah  sah-bah)

THE SEVEN CANDLES

The Kinara (candleholder) is symbolic of the people of continental Africa, our ancestors. This is a Zulu concept that was incorporated into the celebration by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa.

In early celebrations, it was used to symbolize Nkulunkulu, the first born, the father of our ancestors and principles.

Mishumaa Saba (7 candles) symbolizes Nguzo Saba, the seven principles. There are 7 candles, 3 green, 3 red and 1 black, each representing a principle.

Black represent Umoja which means unity and is the first candle lit, then the rest are lit from left to right starting with the red candle, each day.

The lighting of the candle is usualy followed by the discussion of the principle of the day.