December 28 The third day of Kwanzaa Ujima (oo-Jee-mah) Ujima means helping one another
People cooperate by working together. They help each other solve problems. On this day the black candle and one of the red candles are lit. These are the candles of the first two days. Now the third candle is lit. It is green. The person who lights the candles might say, " All of us need to help one another. If someone needs food or help, we give it. If someone's home burns down, we all should help to rebuild it. We give the family food and clothes. We help with what we have." The family talks about how they have a duty to help their neighbors. By helping each other, all will grow stronger. After the talk, the family honors relatives who have died. They drink from the cup. Then begin their dinner. Families cook African foods. They might have African chicken stew, spinach leek, fried plantain and yams. Often they sit in the floor. They eat food with their fingers. This is the African way. |