See also:   [Solstice] (as spiritual time of renewal)        
            [Swahili] (pan-African Language)
            [Time] (as a philosophical concept)

         
Kwanzaa

Main reference (and "highly recommended")  "Kwanzaa Crafts"
By Marcia Odel McNair. ISBN 0.8069.177.6 (New York, 1998)

The craft that carries with the spiritual and personal feelings of
the artist/crafter rises to icon and then to memory, and finally to
hope.  -- Peace to all this Kwanzza, 2004/2005, Pizo.

Celbrated from December 26th thru January 1st; ie,
Solstice (solar) + 3 days (trinity), then one week (harvest).

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

"The Kwanzaa celebration gathers together families and friends
to celebrate thier family ties, remember their ancestors, 
support their commnity, and give thanks for the good things 
of life. 

"Homes in which Kwanzz is clebrated are decorated with the colors
red, green and black, as well as the following symbols of Kwanzaa:

Mkeka -- is traditionally a woven straw mat that represents reverence
         for tratiion.

Muhindi -- is corn. An ear of corn for each child is placed on the 
           mkeka to symbolise the celebration of children and the
continuity of the human family.

Mazao -- or fruits, vegatables, and nuts are placed in a woven basket
         are the products of unified efforts and the earth's abundance.

Zawadi -- are simple hand-made Afro-centric gifts or books, which have
          an emphasis placed on cultural and educational values.

Kinara -- the seven-branched candle holder is symbolic of the African
          people and continent.

Kikombe cha umoja -- is the unity cup of libation, which is used to pay
                     respect to the past, to the present, and to the future.

7 candles: 3 green, 1 black, 3 red.

Representing the 7 principles of kwanzaa:

day 1: black (center candle) -- Dec. 26th; Umoja (unity).
       symbol: mazao (basket of fruit, vegatables, nuts)

day 2: red (outer most) -- Dec. 27th; Kujichagulia (self determination).
       symbol: mkeka (woven mat)

day 3: green (outer most) -- Dec. 28th; Ujima (collective work/responsibility).
       symbol: kinara (candle holder)

day 4: red -- Dec 29th; Ujamaa (cooperatives/community).
       symbol: muhindi (corn)

day 5: green -- Dec. 30th; Nia (purpose/vocation).
       symbol: zawadi (handmade gift/craft)

day 6: red -- Dec. 31st; Kuumba (creativity).
       symbol: kikombe cha umoja (communial cup)

cup 7: green -- Jan. 1st; Imani (faith).
       symbol: mishumaa saba (the 7 candles of kwanzaa)


[Op. Cit, p.8-9, et. seq.]

a happy kwanzaa to all, with hopes for peace in the new year,
Pizo, 2005.01.08.