7Principles365

The root word Mishumaa simply means candle. The phrase Mushumaa Saba is what is used to describe the seven candles in the kinara during Kwanzaa. The three red candles on the left, and three green on the right with a black candle in the center that represents the African flag.

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Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a specific principal, marked by lighting a new candle on the kinara.