Where to Find a Kwanzaa Kinara

The Kwanzaa

Kinara, or candleholder, has seven candles called

Mishumaa Saba, which represent

Nguzo Saba, the Swahili word for Seven Principles.

The Seven Principles are:

Kujichagulia - Self Determination

Nia - Purpose

Kuumba - Creativity

Umoja - Unity

Ujima - Social Work and Responsibility

Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics

Imani - Faith

With three red candles on the right, three green candles on the left, and a black candle in the middle, the candles are lit each day of Kwanzaa, starting with the center candle, then alternating from left to right. On the last day of Kwanzaa, the children receive gifts, which are typically educational presents or heritage symbols.

You may have found, however, that you've had a difficult time finding a Kwanzaa Kinara for purchase in stores near you, so you might have to shop online. If you don't find anything you like on ebay, here are three retailers that offer Kwanzaa Kinara Sets for purchase online.

The University of Sankore Press

The University of Sankore Press offers quality Kwanzaa Kinaras and Kwanzaa Kinara Sets in prices ranging from $30 to $80. Sankore Press also offers the newest edition of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture ($29.95) by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa. According to the website, this book "provides a thorough understanding of the views and values of Kwanzaa, its historic origins and cultural background and its cultural meaning to millions of Africans who celebrate it throughout the world African community." Toted as a beautifully-illustrated text with color photos, as well as archival photographs from the first Kwanzaa celebration, this book offers suggestions for family and community celebrations and an exclusive interview with the creator.

Founded by a group of African Women, the University of Sankore Press is named for the historic University of Sankore, which was founded in 14^th century Africa. The University attracted scholars from Africa, Asia, and Europe and served as a center of learning for many decades. Sankore Press serves the Black Studies reading audience across the world.

http://www.sankorepress.com/kwanzaa-shop1.html

Wilsdom African Designs

The cheapest Kinara Set on the web is probably the hand-carved wood candleholder offered by Wilsdom African Designs. Touted as being made of solid ebony, the set ($34.95) was made in Ghana, West Africa, but one has to wonder if with such a low price the workers in Africa were really made a fair rate for the product? Shipping and handling is free.

http://www.wilsdom.com/store/product245.html

It's A Black Thang

It's A Black Thang offers three different Kwanzaa Kinara Sets in prices ranging from $30 for a stained glass Kinara to $59.95 for the Unity-themed Kinara set. Each Kinara set includes the candle holder, a set of seven candles, a matching wooden cup, a mat and instructions.

itsablackthang.com