New London - The mat, the corn, the candles and even the colors have meaning.

There is symbolism in everything associated with Kwanzaa, the seven-day celebration of family, community and culture, created in 1966 by a University of California professor.

For the dozen or so kids, and their assorted parents, a Kwanzaa party Tuesday at the Kente Cultural Center began with a lesson on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Jane Bernoudy, who goes by Mama Jane when telling stories of unlikely friendships between baby frogs and baby snakes, explained the significance of many of the key ingredients of the holiday.

The candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, work and responsibility, economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Corn represents children and the future. The mat is a symbol of tradition and history and the foundation on which to build a life. The colors are based on the national colors for African people throughout the world: black for the people, red for their struggle and green for hope.

The holiday is an inclusive one, Bernoudy said, which can make African-American children proud of their heritage and teach others to be more knowledgeable.

"We are all striving for world peace, so we'll start here in our own village,'' she said, surrounded by children of all ages and races.

For Dzung Nguyen of New London, the event was not only something to do during school vacation but a teaching moment for his 6-year-old son Dan.

"We want him to know about all cultures,'' said Nguyen, who is originally from Vietnam.

Tim Reilly, who stood chatting in the hallway with Nguyen while the children got ready to make a drum as part of the three-hour program, said he likes to expose his daughters to different events.

"We've been to several events here,'' said Reilly, who lives in New London but whose daughters, Grace, 8, and Lindsey, 6, live in Colchester.

"It's good to learn about different cultures and celebrate with other people,'' he said. "New London is such a diverse city.''

Kente has hosted an annual Kwanzaa celebration since it opened in 1977. This year it included drumming by Ibiju Bandele-Asante.

"Our purpose is to make something and share it,'' said Merrylyn Weaver, a board member.

k.edgecomb@theday.com