The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa Made Eco-friendly!(1)
The Kinara, or candle holder, holds seven candles to reflect the
seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. Use "kuumba"
(creativity) to save environmental resources; instead of buying a kinara,
make the candle holder from a 2' x 4' piece of wood or a piece of driftwood. Screw-in candle
holders, which can be purchased in most hardware stores.
Mkeka, or place mats, are typically made of straw--an
environmentally friendly renewable resource. Cloth is also an adequate,
reusable substitute that you do not have to buy.
Mazao, or crops, include fruits and vegetables. Try buying
organic foods that are free of unhealthy pesticides and fertilizers and do
not harm the environment.
Vibunzi are ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the
household. Try to buying organic corn.
Kikombe cha umoja is a communal unity cup. Find one you already
have in your home rather than buying a new one to save environmental
resources.
Mishumaa saba are the 7 candles, one black, three red, and three
green. Try using beeswax candles that emits less soot, which is unhealthy
and can damage your home. Also, make sure the candle does not have a
hazardous lead wick (For more information on candle hazards see Happy and Healthy Hanukkah and see Candle Soot).
Zawadi are gifts that are enriching. Kuumba (creativity) is
greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also
brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit
of Kwanzaa.
Holiday Activity: Weave an Eco-friendly Kwanzaa
Mat (2).
Materials: Ruler, scissors, clear tape, black, red and green recycled
construction paper.
Step 1: Measure and cut out a piece of black construction paper 8 inches wide and
10 inches long. Cut seven lines in the paper, leaving a 1 inch border all the
way around the mat.
Step 2: Cut four red and four green construction paper strips 1 inch wide and 8
inches long.
Step 3: Weave a red strip and then a green strip alternately, going over and
under the black mat frame. Keep the black border. Secure the ends of the
strips with clear tape.
Step 4: Place your mat on the table and decorate with corn and other harvest
foods. Enjoy!
