A Kwanzaa Dictionary

Bendera

The African American flag originally used by Marcus Garvey.

Dashiki

A loose-fitting shirt worn by men, or a blouse worn by a woman.

Habari gani?

A Swahili greeting that means "What's the news of the day?"

Harambee!

This is another greeting that means, "Let's work together!"

Gele

An African headwrap worn by women.

Imani

The seventh principle of Kwanzaa, which stands for believing and having faith in oneself, our ancestors, and our future.

Karamu

The special feast of Kwanzaa that is celebrated wiith family and friends.

Kikombe cha umoja

The cup of togetherness.

Kinara

The candleholder that is lit during the time of Kwanzaa.

Kujichagulia

The second principle of Kwanzaa, which stands for thinking, acting, and speaking for oneself.

Kukumbuka

Remembering our ancestors.

Kuumba

The sixth principle of Kwanzaa, meaning thinking of new ways to do things. It also means creating something with your own hands or mind.

Kwanzaa

An African American holiday that celebrates African Americans and their history and culture.

Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri!

A greeting that means: "May your Kwanzaa be happy!"

Mazao

The fruits and vegetables of the harvest.

Mishumaa saba

The seven candles that are placed in the kinara.

Mkeka

The place mat that is used on a Kwanzaa table.

Muhindi

The corn that represents the children in the family. It is placed on the mkeka.

Nguzo Saba

The seven reasons, or principles, of Kwanzaa.

Nia

The fifth principle of Kwanzaa, which stands for purpose.

Saba

The numeral seven.

Swahili

An East African language spoken by many tribes. It is sometimes called Kiswahili.

Tambiko

The pouring of the drink of ancestors; also called libation.

Tamshi la tambikio

The words said when pouring the drink of ancestors.

Tamshi la Tutaonana

This is the farewell speech of the main Kwanzaa celebration.

Ujamaa

This is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa. It means buying goods and services from each other.

Ujima

This is the third principle of Kwanzaa and means helping each other.

Umoja

This is the first principle of Kwanzaa, meaning unity.

Vibunzi

Another name for muhindi, the ears of corn which are placed on the mkeka of the Kwanzaa table to represent each child in the family.

Zawadi

The gifts that are given on the last day of Kwanzaa. It is more important that these gifts come out of kuumba. These types of gifts are more meaningful than store-bought gifts.