What do you put on a Mkeka?

What do you put on a Mkeka?

To honor the children in the family, one ear of corn (called the vibunzi or muhindi) is placed under the kinara for each child. Other symbols include a fruit basket (mazao) and a unity cup (kikombe) which are both placed on the mkeka as well.

What is the name of a woven mat that is a symbol for Kwanzaa?

‘ The mat (Mkeka): A woven mat, the foundation of all the other symbols, represents African American tradition and history. ‘ The candle holder (Kinara): Holding seven candles, the kinara is symbolic of African Americans’ roots in Africa.

What is the meaning of Mkeka?

Noun. mkeka (plural mkekas) The decorative mat on which ceremonial symbols are laid out during Kwanzaa celebrations.

What do the Kwanzaa symbols mean?

When observing Kwanzaa, the black candle symbolizes the people themselves, the three red candles are for the struggle or blood shed in the past, and the three green candles represent the Earth or the abundance of possibilities the future holds.

What does Umoja mean?

Sunday, December 26, marked the first day of Kwanzaa is called Umoja, which means ‘unity’ in Swahili.

How do you respond to Happy Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa Customs During the celebration of Kwanzaa, it is customary to greet friends and family with the Swahili phrase, “Habari gani”, meaning, “What is the news?” To respond, answer with the principle of the day. (Umoja, for example, is the response given on December 26th.)

What does the first day of Kwanzaa represent?

Unity
December 26 is the first day of Kwanzaa or Umoja, meaning Unity in Swahili. Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Umoja is the foundational principle of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) for without it, all other principles suffer.

What are the symbols and principles of Kwanzaa?

Principles and symbols. Kwanzaa celebratory symbols include a mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed: a Kinara (candle holder), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles), mazao (crops), Muhindi (corn), a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors, and Zawadi (gifts).

What does mazao mean in Kwanzaa?

Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables) Symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work.

What is the significance of the Mkeka?

The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka.

What is the holiday greeting for Kwanzaa?

It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa. The holiday greeting is “Joyous Kwanzaa”.