African-American Wedding Customs & Traditions
A wedding is a perfect time for a couple to celebrate certain customs and traditions that are specific to their ethnic heritage. African Americans can incorporate a number of these customs into their special day so that the wedding ceremony will be even more memorable.
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Jumping the Broom
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Jumping the broom is one of the most well-known African American wedding traditions. The bride and groom hop over the broom together to symbolize starting a new life with one another. The broom jumping portion of the ceremony also symbolizes the bride's transition from her parent's home to a new home with her husband. Author Amy Hicks states that many historians attribute jumping the broom to the time in history when blacks were enslaved in the U.S. Since the slaves were not permitted to marry legally, they created the broom jumping ceremony to make the wedding official. The broom was also used by the groom's family and the bride to sweep the courtyard where the wedding took place, symbolizing the bride's willingness to become part of a new family. While there is no documentation of broom jumping ceremonies in Africa, weddings in West African countries such as Ghana include the broom--the item is passed above the head of the couple and their parents as a ceremonial gesture to join the families together.
Four Elements Tasting
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The tasting of the four elements is a Yoruba tradition still practiced in Africa. Some African-American couples choose to do this at their weddings as well--the tasting reminds them of the promise to love one another for better or for worse. The four elements--lemon, vinegar, cayenne and honey--are placed in small crystal bowls or trays while the individual presiding over the ceremony explains the meaning of each item. The officiant will often tell the bride and groom that in life and during their marriage, they will experience sour feelings (symbolized by lemon) of having to sacrifice and compromise for the good of the marriage. These sour sentiments may turn to bitterness (symbolized by vinegar) in some cases, especially when it is hard to come to a mutual understanding. Things may even get heated (symbolized by cayenne), and one or both spouses may have a hard time dealing with emotions properly--the cayenne can also represent the passion that should be present in a marriage. However, if the couple can manage to swallow all the things that may be sour, bitter, or spicy about marriage, they will experience the sweetness (symbolized by honey) that comes from having a lifelong, loving relationship.
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Libations
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According to the editors of Signature Bride magazine, respect for the ancestors and elders is an integral part of many African cultures. For this reason, African-American couples may choose to have libation poured during the ceremony, which often takes place right before the wedding processional. The libation is a symbol of welcoming the ancestors to be present for the sacred occasion of the wedding, and honors the wisdom about life, love and relationships passed on by older members of the family. Vodka is often used for the libation, since it is a spirit that represents energy and stimulation. Some wedding officiants also pour the libation in the four directions to open the four gates that are guarded by the spirits, which completely opens the way for ancestors and deceased elder members of the bride and groom's family to be spiritually present for the ceremony.
Kola Nut Exchange
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Another African tradition that many African American couples have adopted is the exchange of kola nuts at the wedding ceremony. The kola nut is a symbol of healing, given to members of the couple's family before the exchanging of the vows--the bride and groom exchange kola nuts as well. The exchange shows that the bride and groom will be there to heal one another's wounds throughout life, and symbolizes that they are committed to loving their families unconditionally.
Cowrie Shells
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Cowrie shells are often worn in Africa, and some African-American brides wear the shells in their hair or on their wedding jewelry. The shell is a symbol of fertility, and gives the indication that the bride and her groom want a large family with healthy children.
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References
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