Mazao - (mah-ZOW-oh) fruits and vegetables, which stand for the family's and the community's effort at unification and the rewards for the work we do.
Vibunzi - (vee-BOON-zee) an ear of corn. There should be one for each child member of the family. (We are all someone's children and an ear of corn can be placed for each family member as well.) Also called Muhindi.
Zawadi - (zah-WAH-dee) gifts, preferably educational or African influenced gifts. The family should spend time making them instead of buying them. Zawadi are gifts to help the children keep their promises to themselves and to their people. During Kwanzaa, children are usually the only ones to receive gifts, but these gifts should be presented only to those who have made and kept to their commitments from the previous year.
Kikombe cha umoja - (kee-KOM-bay CHA oo-MOH-jah) a communal cup for libation. While most libations are done with an alcoholic beverage, this one can, and should, be made with fruit juice.
Kinara - (kee-NAH-rah) a seven branched candleholder. This candleholder symbolizes Africa and her people.
Mishumaa saba - (mee-SHOO-mah SAH-bah) the seven candles of the Kinara. These candles symbolize the principles of the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa - values to build a new people and a new world. (There are three red candles, three green candles and one black candle. The black candle is placed in the center of the kinara, the red on the left and the green on the right.)
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