Nguzo saba (Seven principles [of Kwanzaa])

1. Umoja (Unity)

(2h)[F], interlink FTs and move in horizontal circle.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

FUTURE WHAT? THINK~SELF.

3. Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

WORK TOGETHER HELP-me HELP-you.

4. Ujumaa (Cooperative economics)

E-MONEY + (2h)[F], interlink FTs and move in horizontal circle.

5. Nia (Purpose)

THINK~MEAN, where the [V] that will be used for MEAN is brought up to the temple for "THINK" and perseverated for MEAN in the sense of "what does that mean?"

6. Kuumba (Creativity)

(2h)[4], FOs up, alt. brush up respective temples.

7. Imani (Faith)

(1) THINK~TRUST. TRUST = (2h)[5], DH above NDH, POs > signer, close to (2h)[S] as if grasping a rope that is attached to the stomach. (2) THINK~(2h)F-TRUST. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Faith.

Kwanzaa symbols

Bendara (National flag)

AFRICA NATION FLAG. There is a long standing debate on a sign for "Africa". Since Africa comprises many countries, there is no indigenous sign. For more discussion of this issue, see Introduction to use of indigenous signs. (1) Thumb of [A] circles face, but should not land on the nose. (2) [5^], PO away, outlines the shape of the continent by moving towards the right and then down while closing to [O^]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Africa.

Kikomba cha umuja (Unity cup)

COOPERATE CUP. This symbolizes "ancestors, living and dead" - FAMILY, (2h)LONG-AGO UP-TO-NOW.

Kinara (candle holder)

CANDLE HOLD, that is, NDH [1] touches wrist of DH [5], PO > NDS, FO up, while FTs of DH flutter. This symbolizes "stalk" - PLANT (2h)F-CL'stalk'. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - stalk.

Mazao (Crops)

FOOD COLLECT"each". This symbolizes "harvest"

Mishumaa saba (Seven candles)

CANDLE SEVEN. This symbolizes "the Seven principles" - See above.

Mkeka (mat)

RECT-CL'mat'. This symbolizes "foundation" - NDH [S] is held out with arm parallel to the chest and DH [S], PO > signer, strikes hand from below and then strikes elbow from below.

Vibunzi (Ears of corn)

(2h)[5:^) twist corn. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - corn. This symbolizes "children".

Zawadi (Gifts)

KWANZAA GIVE-GIFT, that is (2h)[1], FO up, DH behind NDH. The two hands separate while moving down and then rising up in an arc and opening to (2h)[3] + (2h)[X], POs ><, FOs away, nod forward once at wrists as if bestowing a gift.