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Kwanzaa
Pronunciation and Definitions
This pronunciation and definition resource will help you connect with
the Swahili terms and concepts which may guide you to a deeper
understanding of the Kwanzaa holiday.
Bendera (bayn-day’rah), the flag representing the African people. The
colors are black for the people, red for blood shed in the struggle,
and green for the land.
Habari gani (Ha-ba-ri ga-ni), this is the question traditionally
asked at the start of every Kwanzaa celebration. This is Swahili
for, "What is the news?" Celebrants answer with the Nguzo Saba
(principle) of the day.
Harambee! (hah-RAHM-beh), is a call of unity cried out at the end
of each nightly celebration, meaning “Let's pull together”.
Imani (ee-MAH-nee), which means faith. The 7th Principle of Kwanzaa.
Karamu (kah-RAH-moo), is the big feast traditionally held on
December 31, the sixth day of Kwanzaa.
Kikombe cha umoja (kee-KOHM-bee chah oo-MOH-jah), a unity cup.
Kinara (kee-NAH-rah), refers to the candleholder that hold 7
candles.
Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah), which means
self-determination, The 2nd Principle of Kwanzaa.
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah), which means creativity. The 6th Principle of
Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa (KWAN-za), comes from the Swahili word Kwanza, which means
first fruits.
Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh), a bowl of fruits and vegetables, especially
those native to Africa.
Mishumaa saba (mee-shoo-MAH-ah SAH-ba), are the seven candles of the
kinara that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Mkeka (em-KEH-kah), refers to a straw mat on which a Kwanzaa
centerpiece is arranged.
Muhindi (moo-HEEN-dee), ears of corn that represent the number of
children in the family.
Nia (NEE-ah), which means purpose. The 5th Principle of Kwanzaa.
Nguzo Saba (n-GU-zo SAH-bah), refers to the seven principles upon
which Kwanzaa is based.
Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH-ah), which means cooperative economics. The 4th
Principle of Kwanzaa.
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah), which means collective work and responsibility,
is the 3rd Principle of Kwanzaa.
Umoja (oo-MO-jah), which means unity. The 1st Principle of Kwanzaa.
Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee), gifts.
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Kwanzaa Links
· Kwanzaa
History
· Kwanzaa Principles
· Kwanzaa
Clipart
· Kwanzaa Recipes
· Kwanzaa Traditions
· Kwanzaa Pronunciations and Definitions
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