The Seven Candles of Kwanzaa and What They Stand For

African-Americans celebrate the Kwanzaa holiday annually from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits in Swahili," has seven principles, which are represented by seven candles. A kinara is used to hold the seven candles which encompasses three red, one black and three green candles. Red represents African blood shed, black symbolizes the African race and green represents the land of Africa. In understanding this holiday, it is beneficial to learn about the seven candles, with their Swahili names, of Kwanzaa and what they stand for.

Umoja

The first principle of Kwanzaa is Unity and it is represented by the black candle.

Kujichagulia

The second Kwanzaa principle, self determination, is represented by a red candle.

Ujima

The third Kwanzaa principle, collective work and responsibility, is represented by a green candle.

Ujamaa

Cooperative economics, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, is symbolized by a red candle.

Nia

A green candle is used to represent purpose and is the fifth Kwanzaa principle.

Kuumba and Imani

Creativity, represented by a red candle and faith, represented by a green candle, are the sixth and seventh Kwanzaa principles.

Resources

• The Official Kwanzaa Website for Seven Principles of Kwanzaa