Seven Principles Seven Symbols

A seven day event Based on African descent Culminating in giving gifts and a large feast Based on African festivals ranging from the West to the Southeast. Within, you will discover the seven principles and seven symbols Kwanzaa also has several hymnals The first day represents unity Within their family, nation, race, and community Unity is important to succeed in tasks All one has to do is ask Building from unity is self determination This is the image you create for you and your future generations Next comes Collective Work and Responsibility Finding solutions collectively to others problems in an effort to build and maintain the community Following this is cooperative economics by supporting businesses and profiting collectively This would work rather effectively The fifth day brings purpose to bring one back to traditional greatness This is done by teaching various vocations Following this belief will greatly improve the community’s foundations Not to mention peer relations Creativity is leaving the community in better condition than when you became of age This allows future generations to make a better wage It will also make for a community that is more beautiful and beneficial On the last day is faith in parents, teachers, and community leaders It is also a time to celebrate victories and be our own cheerleaders Now on to each symbol I’ll try to make it simple My intent is to familiarize each meaning The first is crops to symbolize collective planning and work From a business person to a clerk The mkeka is full of nuts, fruits, and veggies The crops on the mkeka varies On to the placemat, as I have aforementioned That was my intention It symbolizes historical and traditional foundation for people to stand and build their lives An ear of corn represents fertility One is placed for each child on the mkeka to bring luck in their ability The muhindi also brings hopes for the future of the family To spare them a life of agony The seven candles are meant to symbolize to recreate the sun’s light These candles are placed in the kinara and shine bright at night Three red, three green, and one black The Unity Cup is used to perform a libation ritual in honor of ancestors They don’t get drunk and do dance gestures On the last day, gifts are given to encourage growth, achievement, and success This is best accomplished by making handmade gifts which may increase stress, but is also a caring way to express