There are seven Kwanzaa candles -
three red, a black, and three green. The black candle is
a celebration of being black, of the unique and special qualities
each person brings to the whole family or community. It is
a candle of the present, of today. The green candles are
vision candles - candles of hopes, dreams, and promises for
the future. The red candles are struggle candles, past candles,
candles the color of blood, candles the color of courage.
All seven candles help African Americans to remember a long
struggle against injustice, against unfairness, and to promise
each other that they will continue to work together against
injustice.
Each day, a different candle is lit:
The first
symbolizes Umoja (unity).
The second is for Kujichagulia
(self-determination).
The third symbolizes Ujima (collective work and responsibility).
The fourth symbolizes Ujamaa (cooperative economics).
The fifth is for Nia (purpose).
The sixth symbolizes Kuumba (creativity).
The seventh is for Imani (faith). |
Email this page to a friend