This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kwanzaa, the holiday in which blacks celebrate their cultural roots. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, blacks seek to illuminate the past, present and future of a rich heritage, particularly as it applies to family and community.
During this period, celebrants focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each day, one of the seven principles is recognized by the lighting of a new candle.Although the traditional candelabrum is the seven-branched kinara, we have an alternate candle arrangement. Inside a deep, 8-inch iron dish lined with cobalt blue glass we put three green candles, to signify the promise of future prosperity; three deep red ones, for the blood shed by those struggling for freedom; and one black one, representing the people.
The dish is $25 at Pier 1, which also sells the mini-pillar candles for $1.25 each.
- June Naylor Rodriguez