1. What does the red candle represent? Struggle
2. Which principle focuses on working together? Ujima
3. What does “Umoja” mean? Unity
4. Which day celebrates cooperative economics? Ujamaa (Day 4)
5. What does “Kwanzaa” mean? First fruits
6. Which principle is celebrated on the final day? Imani
7. What does the black candle represent? The people
8. Who founded Kwanzaa? Dr. Maulana Karenga
9. What colours represent Kwanzaa? Black, red, green
10. What does “Kuumba” stand for? Creativity
11. How many days does Kwanzaa last? 7
12. Kwanzaa celebrates culture from which continent? Africa
13. What do the ears of corn (muhindi) represent? Children and future generations
14. What does “Ujamaa” mean? Cooperative economics
15. What is the mkeka made of? Straw or cloth
16. Which principle focuses on helping your community grow? Nia (Purpose)
17. What does “Imani” mean? Faith
18. What does “Kujichagulia” mean? Self-determination
19. What is the central symbol placed on the mkeka mat? The kinara
20. How many principles (Nguzo Saba) are celebrated?7. 7
21. What are zawadi meant to encourage? Growth, achievement, responsibility
22. hat language are most Kwanzaa terms derived from? Swahili
23. What is the name of the candle holder used during Kwanzaa? Kinara
24. What do the seven candles symbolize together? The seven principles
25. What year was Kwanzaa created? 1966
26. What does “Nia” stand for? Purpose
27. What does the green candle represent? Future and hope
28. What cloth pattern is often used in Kwanzaa celebrations? Kente cloth
29. What does “Kujima” traditionally refer to? Candle lighting
30. Which candle is lit first? The black candle
31. How many candles are in the kinara? 7
32. What is the unity cup called? Kikombe cha Umoja
33. What does “Nguzo Saba” translate to? The seven principles
34. What day is the Karamu feast usually held? December 31
35. Kwanzaa encourages people to reflect on what? Heritage, unity, and community
36. What symbol represents commitment to heritage? Mazao (crops)
37. When does Kwanzaa begin each year? December 26
38. What does “Harambee” mean? Let’s all pull together
39. What is the final greeting said during Kwanzaa? Habari gani?
40. What is the Swahili word for “gifts”? Zawadi
