Kwanzaa Symbols And Meanings. Kwanzaa means “first fruits.” the word kwanzaa comes from the swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” or first fruits, referring to the agricultural harvest festivals that are found It is symbolic of our roots, our parent people, our continental african ancestors.
Mazao (the crops), mkeka (the mat), kinara (the candle holder), muhindi (the corn), mishumaa saba (the seven candles), kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup. It is symbolic of our roots, our parent people, our continental african ancestors. All items are displayed on the mkeka.
