SETTING

1. PLANNING FOR KWANZA - on around December 12th you should meet with your family or group members to assign tasks for the Kwanzaa Celebration.

2. SETTING UP THE KWANZAA DISPLAY - on December 19th you should arrange the Kwanzaa symbols on a low table or on the floor. This is done by:

Spreading the Mkeka (Straw Mat) on the table. Many people use a large piece of material with an African pattern rather than straw. Placing the Kinara (Candle Holder) in the center of the Mkeka. As can be seen in the two photos here, a black candle is placed in the center with three green and three red on the sides. Some celebrants use three black, two red, and two green. Place the Muhindi (Ears of Corn) on either side of the Mkeka. One ear of corn for each child in the family. Fresh fruit and plants should be placed aesthetically on the Mkeka.

Books, family pictures, and other heritage symbols can be placed around the setting. A Nguzo Saba copy should be placed on the wall above the setting. The Bendera should be hung in an appropriate place. This flag should be hung with the red at the top or if hung vertically, with the red on the flag's own right. (Your left.)

As can by seen by the above two photographs and other examples there is an infinite variety of things that can be a part of the setting as cultural symbols.