Kwanzaa: How to Make Your Own Mkeka

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. The seven basic symbols, and two supplemental symbols of Kwanzaa are: Mazao (The Crops), These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor; Mkeka (The Mat) This is symbolic of the tradition and history and therefore, the foundation; Kinara (The Candle Holder); Muhindi (The Corn) This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody; Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs; Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup) This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible; Zawadi (The Gifts) These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.

The two supplemental symbols are: Bendera (The Flag) The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are the colors of the Organization Us, black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. It is based on the colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people throughout the world, and the last supplemental symbol, Nguzo Saba Poster (Poster of The Seven Principles).

Many of the symbols can be made at home, without spending a lot of money. To make your very own Mkeka mat, you'll need the symbolic African patterns of red, black and green; there are other designated prints for African designs as well.

First, cut the cloth into two sets of strips: 1/2 inch wide by 26 inches long for the horizontal strips and 1/2 inch wide by 20 inches long for the vertical strips. There's an approximated need of 52 of the shorter strips and 40 of the longer ones.

Next, place a piece of 12-inch-by-18-inch 'makeshift (either a piece of cardboard) board' on a table and lay the longer strips across it lengthwise. The board is designated as a working board which can be removed once the mat is completed; the strips of fabric should stick out about 3 inches beyond both sides of the board.

Then, staple both ends of each strip to the board, in order to keep them in place. After that, weave the shorter pieces into the longer ones in a vertical direction, alternating colors and patterns. Leave about 3 inches at each end. Continue weaving until the board is covered and you've got about 3 inches of fringe sticking out on all four sides.

Finally, start at one corner and tie each two strips into a knot. Work your way around until you've tied them all. Remove the staples and enjoy your Mkeka! Now all you have left is the remainder symbols to celebrate Kwanzaa! Enjoy!