Kwanzaa Bracelet

Making a Kwanzaa Bracelet
This Kwanzaa bracelet is so simple, you can create them with your children and give them as gifts to family members and friends. They may wear them as a reminder to observe the Principles of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa Is Not a Holiday

Kwanzaa, the Swahili word for 'First Fruits,' is the name given to the annual observance developed by Maulana Karenga and celebrated by many African Americans since 1966. Kwanzaa begins on December 31 each year and runs for seven days. Each day includes a commitment to one of seven principles. Many people celebrate in community Kwanzaa events. Others share the Kwanzaa experience in the privacy of their own families or businesses.

The Seven Principals of Kwanzaa

Umoja - Unity 
Kujichagulia - Self-Determination 
Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility 
Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics 
Nia - Purpose 
Kuumba - Creativity 
Imani - Faith

The Greeting

As a reminder of each day's commitment, a person celebrating Kwanzaa may offer a greeting, 'Habari Gani' (What's the word?) The tradition calls for the response, 'Kuumba,' or 'Imani,' or whatever is the principle of the day

The Colors

Kwanzaa colors are red, black and green, the same colors you will use in creating your bracelet.

The Kinara

The person leading each day's Kwanzaa celebration lights a candle acknowledging the day's principle, then lights the black candle on the last day to finish out the annual observation acknowledging Faith, the final principle.

Creating Your Kwanzaa Bracelet

When you complete your Kwanzaa bracelet, it will contain an arrangement of colors following the order of candles in the Kinara. The Kinara holds seven candles, three red, three green and one black in the center.

** Text Credit**
Creating a Kwanzaa Bracelet
An Easy Project for Kids of All Ages
Carol Rucker, Yahoo Contributor Network