fruit juice since younger people are involved.
In some cases, everyone present will share the same cup but some celebrations have separate cups for all the attendees. This cup is important as it symbolizes being unified with your loved ones as well as your ancestors.
Once the libations are prepared, someone will light the black candle. Traditionally, that responsibility is given to the youngest child but anyone can be chosen.
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After lighting the candle, they may make a statement about the principle of Umoja to everyone present. It’s also common for them to share a passage, story, song, or poem that relates to how Umoja is reflected in their daily lives. The aim of this part of the ceremony is to explain the first principle in a way that everyone understands it.
With the presentation complete, everyone will share the libations to represent that they are all of one accord with Umoja. It’s not uncommon for others to also share their stories while discussing Umoja. Sometimes, you’ll exchange gifts on this day and every day after. Other families wait until the last day to give everyone their gifts as there is no preference. That marks the end of the first day’s ceremony and the black candle is extinguished.
Umoja is just the beginning of Kwanzaa and will set the mood for the rest of the festivities.