Joyous KuchuQwanzaa!

The Symbols

KuchuQwanzaa has nine main symbols. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African and LGBT culture.

Mkeka (The Mat): This is symbolic of our tradition, history, and heritage, and therefore, the foundation on which we build.

Kinara (The Candle Holder): This is symbolic of our roots and parent people.

Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles): These rainbow color candles (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violent) are symbolic of the Nguzo Tisa, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which Black LGBT people are urged to live by in order to achieve our goals, liberty, and happiness in our own image and according to our own needs.

Zawadi (The Gifts): These are symbolic of the talents and contributions of our communities in the creation and creative use of language, ways of being, and institutions for us by us. In and through our gifts of language, ways of being, and institutions, we give voice to the silenced, and communicate and express ourselves in the face of racism, heterosexism, and homonegativity.

Matunda (Fruit): Derived from Kwanzaa’s “Mazao” these fruits are symbolic of African harvest celebrations, the rewards of productive and collective labor, and of food provided for our nourishment in addition to taking ownership of the pejorative term “fruit” to refer to LGBT persons.

Maji (Water): This is symbolic of the fluidity of identities, a principle which we cherish and is held and drank from a Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup)

Kupanda (Plant): This is symbolic of the seeds sown, life begot by, and growth and progress produced in service, charity, and volunteerism.

Bendera (The Flag): The colors of the KuchuQwanzaa flag are the rainbow colors symbolic of queer movements, integration, and inclusivity.

Nguzo Tisa Poster (Poster of The Nine Principles)