Top 25 Results (Member Poems)

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