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The
Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
mkeka (mm-KEH-ah) a woven mat, symbolic of
black history, typically the other symbols are place upon the mkeka
 mazao (mah-ZAH-oh) fruits and vegetables
symbolic of the harvest
kinara (kee-NAH-rah)  a candleholder, symbolic of
the history and people who died in Africa many years ago
mishumaa saba (mee-SHOO-mah SAH-bah) the seven candles,
representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa
Three
red candles are place on the left of the kinara representing the
struggle;
the middle candle is black, representing the people (all people);
and three green candles on the right represent the future.
 muhindi (moo-HIN-dee) ears of corn, representing
children, one ear of corn for each child in the family
 kikombe
cha umoja (kee-KOH-beh chah oo-MOH-jah) the unity cup,  symbolic of staying together
zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) gifts, given to children as rewards for promises
kept during the year, these are not mandatory and are only given if
deserved
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