Kwanzaa Primary Symbols

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Primary Symbols        Secondary Symbols

Mkeka (M-kay-cah) - a straw mat on which all the other symbols are placed.  Mkeka symolizes the tradition on which everything else rests.

Kinara (Kee-nah-rah) - a candle holder holding the seven candles.  It represents the
stalk that the African people came from.

Mshumaa (Mee-shoo-maah) - the seven candles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Muhindi (Moo-heen-dee) - an ear of corn representing the offspring of the stalk.

Kikombe Cha Umoja (Kee-coam-bay-chah-oo-moe-jah) - a unity cup used to pour the libation for the ancestors.

Zawadi (Sah-wah-dee) - the presents representing the fruits of the parents labor and the rewards for the children.

Karamu - the feast symbolizing the celebration that brings the community together.