The Kinara candle holder is an important part of Kwanzaa celebrations. It holds seven candles, each representing one of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The candles are lit in a specific order over the seven days of Kwanzaa, from December 26th to January 1st. Understanding the meaning behind the candle lighting ceremony is key to celebrating Kwanzaa properly.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrating African heritage and culture. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is now celebrated by millions of people worldwide. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits.”
Kwanzaa is based on seven core principles called the Nguzo Saba:
| Umoja (Unity) | To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. |
| Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) | To define and create for oneself. |
| Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) | To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together. |
| Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) | To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. |
| Nia (Purpose) | To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. |
| Kuumba (Creativity) | To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. |
| Imani (Faith) | To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. |
The seven candles on the Kinara candle holder represent these seven principles.
The Kinara
The Kinara is the candle holder used during Kwanzaa. It holds seven candles, one black candle in the center representing the people, three red candles on the left representing their struggle, and three green candles on the right representing the future and hope that comes from the struggle.
The Kinara holds the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) which are lit in a specific order over the seven nights of Kwanzaa. The black candle is lit first. Then the candles alternate between green and red, starting with the red candle on the left hand side.
Order of Candle Lighting
Here is the order in which the Kinara candles are lit each night:
| Night | Candle | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 – December 26 | Black candle in the center | Represents the people (Umoja) |
| Night 2 – December 27 | Left most red candle | Represents their struggle (Kujichagulia) |
| Night 3 – December 28 | Left most green candle | Represents the future and hope (Ujima) |
| Night 4 – December 29 | Second red candle from the left | Represents their struggle (Ujamaa) |
| Night 5 – December 30 | Second green candle from the left | Represents the future and hope (Nia) |
| Night 6 – December 31 | Right most red candle | Represents their struggle (Kuumba) |
| Night 7 – January 1 | Right most green candle | Represents the future and hope (Imani) |
The Lighting Ceremony
Each night during Kwanzaa, the appropriate candle is lit during the Karamu celebration. The candle lighting often coincides with discussing that day’s principle. For example, on the first night when the black candle representing Umoja (Unity) is lit, the topic of conversation may focus on ways to unite family and community.
As the candles are lit, the following is said:
– Lighting the black candle on the first night: “I light this black candle for the black people.”
– Lighting the red candles: “I light this red candle for the blood shed by our people in their continuing fight for liberation.”
– Lighting the green candles: “I light this green candle for the promise of a bountiful future under the guidance of unity and self-determination.”
The candle lighting is often accompanied by traditional African drumming, music, and dance as part of the Karamu festivities. Children in the family may take turns lighting the candles as their parents explain the meaning behind each principle. The glow of the candles in the Kinara fills the room with light and purpose.
Conclusion
The Kinara candle holder and lighting ceremony play a central role in Kwanzaa celebrations. The black candle is lit first to represent and honor the people. Then the red and green candles are lit alternately to reflect on the ongoing struggle and hopeful future. The seven principles known as Nguzo Saba are discussed over the seven nights as the corresponding candles are lit. This tradition connects Kwanzaa celebrants to their shared African heritage and principles while lighting the path forward. Understanding the proper order and meaning behind the candle lighting represents a profound part of observing this important cultural holiday.
