Where to buy kwanzaa candles

We found a selection of traditional Kwanzaa candles, electric candles, and candle sets that include a kinara for your Kwanzaa ceremony this year. See below for our top candle choices. These handmade cube-shaped Kwanzaa candles are painted in the traditional colors of red, green, and black. Each candle is adorned with a symbol representing one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

This is the perfect set of Kwanzaa candles if you're looking for something a little less traditional. For a traditional set of Kwanzaa candles, these inch fragrance-free candles are an easy choice. Each candle burns for about 6 hours and will fit most standard candle holders. Opt for this personal Kwanzaa kinara and candles if you are looking for a more intimate addition to your Kwanzaa ceremony. The 5. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet?

Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Part 1. Get out your Kwanzaa items on the morning of December 26th. Kwanzaa starts the evening of December 26th, so you'll need to get all your items together that morning and afternoon.

If you celebrate Christmas or any other holiday, put those decorative items away before you set up for Kwanzaa. You can still celebrate other holidays, but be sure the only holiday decorations up on December 26th are for Kwanzaa. Buy or make a kinara. The kinara is the candle-abra used to hold the seven Kwanzaa candles.

You can buy a readymade one online or at a local African goods store, or you can even make one yourself if you know anything about wood or metal-working. Get candles in the correct colors. Use tapers instead of short candles, and be sure they fit your kinara first! Put your candles in the kinara. The black candle goes in the middle, with three red candles to the left and three green candles to the right. The colors have symbolic meanings.

The black candle represents the African people, the red candles symbolize their struggles, and the green represents hope for the future. The number of candles represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Together, the candles are called the mishumaa saba. Set up your kinara at home. Choose a central location in your home to set up the kinara, like the living room or kitchen.

You can set it up on a table or countertop. Lay out a cloth and mat on the table. This goes over the table, so it should be larger than the tabletop. A mkeka, or straw mat, is placed on top of the cloth. Those symbols include: the crops mazao , place mat mkeka , ear of corn vibunzi , the seven candles mishumaa saba , the candle holder kinara , the unity cup kikombe cha umoja and gifts zawadi.

On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit in the Kinara. The black candle represents the first principle — Umoja : Unity. The person who lights the candle might make a statement about the first principle and its meaning. Sometimes a passage or poem is read relating to what the principle means and how it relates to their life. Then the Umoja Unity Cup might be filled with fruit juice and shared among those gathered. Each takes a drink and passes to the next.

On the second day the black candle is again lit, as well as the farthest red candle on the left. This represents the 2nd principle of Kwanzaa — Kujichagulia : Self-Determination. Again a statement about the second principle and its meaning might be made. Or possibly a passage or poem is spoken or read which relates to what the principle means and how it relates to their life.

The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished. On the third day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green candle. This represents the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa — Ujima : Collective work and responsibility. The third principle is discussed. On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green. And then the next red candle on the left. This represents the 4th principle of Kwanzaa — Ujamaa : Collective economics.

The fourth principle is discussed. On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the 5th principle of Kwanzaa — Nia : Purpose. The fifth principle is discussed. On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle.

This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa — Kuumba : Creativity. The sixth day, which occurs on New Years Eve, is a special day. This is the day of the Kwanzaa Karamu or Kwanzaa Feast. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Prev NEXT. Other Holidays.