It was 30 years ago that Maulana Karengo, a professor of Pan-African studies, developed the idea of Kwanzaa to celebrate the African heritage of black Americans. The holiday is based on the traditional African festival, which means "first fruits of the harvest."

Kwanzaa begins Tuesday and lasts seven days. On each of those days, celebrants focus on Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means "the seven guiding principles," to promote the values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Contrary to popular belief, Kwanzaa is not a substitute for Christmas, but a celebration of the ideals and aspirations of African-Americans.

One of the items you'll need to celebrate Kwanzaa is a kinara, or candleholder, for the seven candles that represent the number of days in Kwanzaa and the seven principles. A mkeka (a place mat), mazao (fruits and vegetables), vibunzi (corn), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), zawadi (enriching gifts) and mishumaa saba (seven candles) are also necessary.

The principles reaffirmed during Kwanzaa are: Umoja, the togetherness of the family; Kujichagulia, self-determination; Ujima, collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, cooperative economics; Nia, setting personal goals; Kuumba, using creativity to build a strong community; and Imani, personal self-worth.

The candles are lighted one day at a time until each Kwanzaa principle has been discussed and explored.

I found directions for this kinara at www.kidsdomain.com and modified them for our use.

Supplies you will need:

• 3 short red candles, 3 short green candles and 1 black tapered candle

• 7 small terra-cotta pots

• 1 large terra-cotta dish (that goes under pots)

• Red, green and black acrylic paint and brushes

• Nuts, berries, gourds and other harvest items

• Clay.

Cover your work area with newspapers and paint three pots red, three green and one black. Paint the dish black. You may need to add two coats. Set aside to dry.

Make seven small balls of clay and drop one inside each pot. Place the pots inside the dish. Push candles down inside the ball of clay to help them stand upright.

Add berries, nuts or other harvest items around the pots and inside the dish.