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Kwanzaa is a celebration observed by African Americans to celebrate their heritage. It is celebrated from December 26 through January 1 of each year. The celebration includes candle lighting, gift giving and a large feast. Most importantly Kwanzaa is a time for African
Americans to remember their heritage and the seven principals that follow the way
of “Blackness”.

One of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa is the crop harvested. This represents their hard work and the rewards for such productive and collective labors. This symbol is represented by placing fruit and vegetables into a Kwanzaa basket to be placed on the Kwanzaa mat with the candle holder, candles, cup and corn that is also a part of the seven symbols.

What You’ll Need

* Basket
* Black, red and green ribbon
* Fresh fruits and vegetables (artificial may be used)

Instructions

The Kwanzaa basket is an African basket that includes the three colors of Kwanzaa. These colors are black, which stands for the people, red for their struggles and green for their future. Have your children weave the different colored ribbons through the basket from top to bottom. They can even wrap the handle of the basket with the ribbon if so desired.

Once the basket is decorated place the fruits and vegetables inside the basket. This will represent the harvest and the hard work entailed in the rewards.

If you have very small children they can make their own Kwanzaa basket buy using brown construction paper folded in the shape of a basket. Glue on the handle and apply the ribbon around the basket with glue. Now cut pictures of fruits and vegetables out of magazines and glue them inside the basket. Now even your toddlers have their own Kwanzaa basket for their celebration.

Submitted by Christmas Fun

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