Kwanzaa has seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement.

• Mazao (The Crops) - Symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor.
  

• Mkeka (The Mat) - Symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore the foundation on which we build.
  

• Kinara (The Candle Holder) - Symbolic of our roots, our parent people--continental Africans.
  

• Muhindi (The Corn) - Symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.
  

• Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) - Symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which Black 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) - Symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.
  

• Zawadi (The Gifts) - Symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
  

The two supplemental symbols are: Bendera (The Flag) - The black, red and green colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people throughout the world. The meaning of these colors are black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle and a Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) Poster.