The traditions of Native American courtships and
marriages were filled with romantic symbolism. Many of those
admirable traditions evolved over time and found their way
into modern marriage ceremonies, albeit with some altering
and changes.
Here are a few examples of the more popular
American Indian wedding ceremony traditions:
* Ceremony of the Blanket
Two blue blankets, representing the couple’s past lives,
were draped around the bride and groom. After a blessing by
the Spiritual Leader, the couple would shred both blankets
and then be enveloped in the embraces of their well-wishing
relatives and covered by one white blanket. The singular
white blanket represented unity, happiness, fulfillment and
peace. The couple would share their first marital kiss and
embrace under the white blanket, and display it
thereafter in their new home.
* Ceremony of Rings
In earlier days, indigenous
did not use rings in their marriage
ceremonies. The custom evolved, however, and to this day the
exchanging of rings is an integral part of the Native
American wedding ceremony, symbolizing an unbroken circle of
love. Love with no beginning and no ending, no giver and no
receiver, for both are givers and receivers. The rings are a
constant reminder of the vows exchanged.
* Ceremony of Fire:
Materials were gathered for three fires; two smaller ones
in the north and south, and one large one in the center of
the circle. The two smaller fires, representing the two
separate lives about to be joined, were lit and burned while
the bride and groom recited prayers and songs. Then the
bride and groom swept the two smaller fires into the center
of the circle to ignite the one large fire, which symbolized
the Creator and their blessed union.
* Ceremony of the Baskets
Native American brides and grooms exchanged baskets of
gifts. The bride’s basket contained foods, such as bread and
corn. This symbolized her desire to nurture and support her
mate. The groom’s basket held meat and skins, indicating his
intention to feed and clothe his bride as the strong
provider in the union.
* Ceremony of the Wedding Vase
One component of the Native American wedding ceremony was
the wedding vase. This was usually a pottery pitcher or jar
with a handle on both sides and two spouts. The bride and
groom would each drink from the vase to toast one another
and their union. Then both would drink from the vase
together. The belief was that if both drank from the vase
without spilling a drop that was a sign of good
understanding and cooperative spirits, assurance that their
marriage would be peaceful and enduring.
Today’s wedding ceremonies incorporate versions of many
traditions practiced by our early Native American
counterparts. The exchanging of rings, the bride and groom’s
toast, lighting of the Unity Candle, and the showering of
the bride and groom with gifts from well-wishers.
