What Is The Order Of Lighting Kwanzaa Candles?

Introduction

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage and culture. The celebration takes place from December 26th to January 1st, and it is observed by millions of people around the world. One of the most important traditions of Kwanzaa is the lighting of the seven candles on the Kinara. In this article, we will discuss the order of lighting Kwanzaa candles and their significance.

The Meaning of Kwanzaa Candles

The seven candles on the Kinara represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Each candle is lit on a different day, and each principle is discussed and celebrated on that day. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.

The Order of Lighting Kwanzaa Candles

The order of lighting Kwanzaa candles is as follows:

Day 1 – December 26th: The Black Candle (Unity)

The first candle to be lit is the black candle, which represents Unity. It is placed in the center of the Kinara and is lit first. This candle symbolizes the unity of the African people and their commitment to working together to build a better future.

Day 2 – December 27th: The First Red Candle (Self-Determination)

The second candle to be lit is the first red candle, which represents Self-Determination. It is placed to the left of the black candle and is lit on the second day. This candle symbolizes the right of the African people to determine their own destiny and to shape their own future.

Day 3 – December 28th: The Second Red Candle (Collective Work and Responsibility)

The third candle to be lit is the second red candle, which represents Collective Work and Responsibility. It is placed to the right of the black candle and is lit on the third day. This candle symbolizes the need for all African people to work together and to take responsibility for their own communities.

Day 4 – December 29th: The First Green Candle (Cooperative Economics)

The fourth candle to be lit is the first green candle, which represents Cooperative Economics. It is placed to the left of the black candle and is lit on the fourth day. This candle symbolizes the importance of working together to build economic strength and independence.

Day 5 – December 30th: The Second Green Candle (Purpose)

The fifth candle to be lit is the second green candle, which represents Purpose. It is placed to the right of the black candle and is lit on the fifth day. This candle symbolizes the need for all African people to have a clear sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Day 6 – December 31st: The First Yellow Candle (Creativity)

The sixth candle to be lit is the first yellow candle, which represents Creativity. It is placed to the left of the black candle and is lit on the sixth day. This candle symbolizes the creativity and innovation of the African people and their ability to create a better future.

Day 7 – January 1st: The Second Yellow Candle (Faith)

The seventh and final candle to be lit is the second yellow candle, which represents Faith. It is placed to the right of the black candle and is lit on the final day of Kwanzaa. This candle symbolizes the faith that African people have in themselves, their communities, and their future.

The Conclusion

The order of lighting Kwanzaa candles is an important part of the celebration. Each candle represents a different principle of Kwanzaa, and each principle is celebrated on a different day. By lighting the candles in this order, African people are reminded of their unity, their strength, and their commitment to building a better future for themselves and their communities. Kwanzaa is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.