About Native American Weddings

Native American weddings are beautiful, rich in expressions of love and savored for the traditions they represent. With thousands of tribes that once existed, there are thousands of different Native American ceremonies that are on record and acknowledged. Although one's ancestry may be from a specific tribe, it's not uncommon for brides today to bring other tribes' traditions into the wedding. Honoring one's heritage is seen to include pride in the Native American history of this country as a whole as well.

Types

The Rite of the Seven Steps is considered one of the more traditional wedding ceremonies of the tribes. The bride and her groom walk seven steps around a fire, one that is considered sacred. They walk clockwise in a circular motion. A vow is said for each step that is taken. The groom goes first, steps forward and says his vow. His bride takes a step to join him and says her vow. They proceed like this around the fire. Upon its completion, the guests join them in a circle around the fire in a beautiful scene of unity.

History

A wedding vase was historically used in Native American ceremonies in the U.S.'s Southwest region. This vase was made by the groom's parents. Indian holy water is placed in the vase. The bride drinks from one end, and the groom from the other end of the vase. Drinking from this is supposed to unite them. Although there was a separate tradition that took place with the vase, it is observed as a part of the Native American wedding for many couples who want to include this beautiful bridal tradition into the wedding itself.

Function

A Native American wedding ceremony typically occurs in the evening. Instead of the white gown being its symbol of purity, water is used as the important symbol during this sort of traditional ceremony. The bride and groom both take part in this by washing their hands together. In doing so, they are washing off the past (and past loves). It's a cleansing physically and symbolically.

Considerations

Society and cultural approval was important for most newlyweds. it was not tolerated for someone to marry a person who had been previously married or who was any relation at all. For the Hopi tribe, a man wishing to marry must go to the woman's home to ask for her parents' permission. Once granted, he must go immediately to his home to inform his parents. After he does so, his hopeful bride appears at his home with a bread offering to her future mother-in-law. If it's accepted, the couple can commence their wedding plans with the blessings of all involved in the decision.

Warning

One should be respectful in every aspect of the Native American culture that is included in the wedding. This is a culture that has seen much turmoil in the history of this country, and the weddings that occur in the Native American tradition should be a celebration of the joy, courage and beauty of the culture. Anything that lacks research and sensitivity in including it in the ceremony should be avoided. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.