Does Kwanzaa have candles? What does the corn mean in Kwanzaa?

The candles and the corn are two of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa that are placed on a special table called the mkeka. The candles are called the mishumaa saba, and they are red, green, and black, representing the African people, their struggles, and their hope for the future.

The candles are held by a candleholder called the kinara, and each night, one candle is lit and one principle is discussed. The corn is called the muhindi, and it represents the children and their potential.

One ear of corn is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family, or one ear for all the children of the community if there are no children in the house.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture and identity that aims to inspire and empower African Americans. By learning about the meaning of the candles and the corn in Kwanzaa, you can appreciate the richness and diversity of this holiday.