kinara

[ ki-nahr-uh, kee- ]

noun

1. a candelabrum with seven branches for seven candles used in the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinara¹

First recorded in 1970–75; from Swahili: literally, “candle holder”

Example Sentences

If you are celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, make sure that your menorah or kinara are at least 3 feet from anything flammable.

From Seattle Times

"As families and friends join to light the Kinara, Melania and I extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous year to come."

From Salon

It’s often symbolized by the lighting of the Kinara, which holds seven candles - three red candles on the left and three green on the right with a black candle, the same colors represented on the Pan-African flag.

From Washington Times

Play Cousins will also provide 100 Kwanzaa kits, which include a Kinara, candles, unity cup, corn, a Pan-African flag, and a booklet, alongside 150 craft kits that hold materials for each day’s craft on a first-come, first-served basis at its office at 2600 W Broadway.

From Washington Times

As for the first night of Kwanzaa, the first of seven candles to be lit on the Kinara will be the black one in the middle.

From Washington Times