Mazao : (The Crops) These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor.

Mkeka : (The Mat) This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build.

Kinara : (The Candle Holder) The Kwanzaa candles and harvest This is symbolic of our roots, our parent people -- continental Africans.

Muhindi : (The Corn) This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.

Mishumaa Saba : (The Seven Candles) These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.

Kikombe cha Umoja : (The Unity Cup) This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.