How to Decorate for Kwanzaa?

1. Understand the Basics:

Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. The principles of Kwanzaa is becoming an integral part of the daily lives of families and communities globally. It is a time for African-Americans to honor their African heritage, commemorate the past, promote unity, and reflect on seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday. Therefore, people from all walks of life and faith can and do celebrate Kwanzaa.

2. Choose a Color Scheme:

The primary colors associated with Kwanzaa are red, black, and green. Red symbolizes the struggle and bloodshed for freedom, black represents the African people, and green represents the hope for the future.

3. Set Up Kwanzaa Table:

The central focus of Kwanzaa decoration is the Kwanzaa table, it is the Mkeka or foundation in which all other symbols, including the Mkeka mat are placed. Here's how to set it up:

- Start with a tablecloth:

- Cover the table with a colorful African cloth, preferably one with traditional patterns like the red, black, and green Pan African flag for African Americans created by Marcus Garvey.

Next, gather the seven symbols of Kwanzaa:

- Place a straw mat or woven placemats (Mkeka) on top of the cloth.

- Add a Kinara, a candleholder, to the center of the Mkeka. The Kinara represents African heritage and roots and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

-The Kinara holds seven candles: one black candle in the center (the Umoja candle) and three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. Light one candle each day, starting with the black Umoja candle on December 26th and alternating between red and green candles from left to right.

Add the other Traditional Kwanzaa Symbols:

4. Mazao (Fruits and Vegetables): Use fresh fruits and vegetables. Place a bowl of fruits and vegetables on the table to symbolize the bounty of the harvest season and fruits of labor. Place this fruit & vegetable basket to the front left of the kinara.

5. Muhindi (Ears of Corn): Display one ear of corn for each child in the family to represent the potential of the future generation.

6. Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup): Set out the Unity Cup, which is used for the pouring and sharing of libations during the celebration. Place it front-right of the kinara.

7. Zawadi (Handmade Gifts or Books): Place meaningful gifts (mainly for children) on the table, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement and achievement.

-African Art, Harvest Symbols, and Crafts: Decorate the space with African art, crafts, cloth, baskets, and sculptures to add a cultural touch to your Kwanzaa celebration.

- Hang a Kwanzaa Poster or Pan African Flag.

-You can also hang pictures of loved ones, to pay special homage to family and special community Ancestors who struggled and died to unify, empower, and free people of African descent.

-Add Traditional African Music to enhance the atmosphere.

-Arrange Seating: Arrange seating around the Kwanzaa table for family and friends to gather during the lighting of the candles and the sharing of the principles.

Remember that Kwanzaa is a time for reflection, recommitment of cultural ideals, reverence for the creator and creation, commemoration of the past, and celebration of African tradition and culture. A time for families and communities to recommit to the highest ideals and practices for a meaningful and productive life. Decorating your space in a meaningful way can enhance the experience and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all participants. Next, check out our 'How to Make a Kwanzaa Kinara with Candles' blog for a fun 20-minute arts and crafts activity that brings even more meaning to your celebration!