Today, on the first day of Kwanzaa, the focus is on the principle of Umoja, or unity.

Over the course of seven days, Kwanzaa reaffirms values by lighting candles, taking part in traditional dances, songs and food, and by paying respect and homage to ancestors, thanking them for the lessons learned from the past in order to create a bright future.

This celebration is nonreligious, nonheroic and celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 each year, where each day represents a different principle.The seven principles, called the Nguzo Saba, are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

These are the principles that Paulette Fox, executive director of Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain Inc., shares with the children in her afterschool programs that include children of all ages.

"We talk about the principles in our programs,"Fox said. "It’s something that should be reinforced, and people should know that it’s not a ‘black holiday.’ It celebrates principles for the whole community."

Developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 -- in the height of the Black Freedom Movement in the U.S. -- his vision was to restore a strong foundation within the African culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Kiswahilli, the most widely spoken African language, recognizes the harvest time.On a typical Kwanzaa table you will see symbols of the harvest, including fruits and vegetables.

According to the official Kwanzaa Web site, there are seven basic symbols to include on the Kwanzaa table. The Mkeka (the straw mat) is symbolic of the foundation on which one can build.The Mazao (crops), represents the harvest.The Kinara (candleholder) sybolizes the roots of African people.The Muhindi (corn) represents the children and future.The Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) are the set of values in which to live your life.Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) reinforces the practice of unity.

And the last symbol is the Zwadis (gifts),which are symbolic of the labor of love of parents and commitments made and kept by children.

Deborah Calhoun, executive director of the African-American Cultural Awareness Association Inc.,not only shares Kwanzaa with the community, but in her home as well.

"We set up a table in our home every year," Calhoun said. "It’s so important that we as African-Americans embrace our culture, and this holiday really speaks to the richness that we have in our lives."

A Kinara, the candleholder, will hold three red candles representing the bloodshed of African peoples, three green candles symbolizing the lush fertile land of the African continent, and one black candle to represent the indigenous people of Africa.

Every day, a candle will be lit in affirmation of one of the seven principles.

Today, the black candle for Umoja symbolizing unity will be lit to reinforce the bonds between people.

"We light the candles using the black candle,"Calhoun said, "so we start on red with struggle, and then we end of the last day with a green candle for victory.It represents the great achievements we’ve made in our lives and those yet to come."

"And we give gifts, but mainly to the children on the last day,"Calhoun said. "They are cultural, or something we made.It’s important that it represent our culture."

A special Kwanzaa performance will be held at Trinity-on-Main Center for Arts, Education and Community, 69 Main St., Thursday at 7 p.m.Queen Ann Nzinga’s center will present a special dress rehearsal performance of their Kwanzaa celebration to be presented at The Bushnell in Hartford on Dec. 30.There is a $5 donation for adults, and children are free.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.