Some of the first inhabitants of the United States were Native Americans. The beauty of their existence is not just one dynamic. There are many tribes across the continental United States. Each tribe has distinctive traditions and customs. Acknowledging your family’s cultural ties to the Native American community means taking the time to find the traditions that you want to highlight as part of your ceremony.
Here are three key areas to consider when planning a Native American wedding ceremony.
The Sounds of Native Americans
Singing is a dominant form of musical expression with instrumental enhancements as an accompaniment. The love songs are often played by men on flutes. The sound ranges from region to region. For example, in the Great Plains music is tense, pulsating, and forceful, whereas, in California, it is produced with a more reduced throat.
Principal instruments include drums, rattles, flutes, and whistles. A powerful musical presentation could include a group of men sitting around a large double-headed drum while they sing in unison and drum with sticks.
Perhaps you can choose a musical expression that reflects your family’s regional roots. It can be incorporated during the bridal party procession at the beginning and end of the ceremony. Possibly native dances can be incorporated into your reception. The point is to create a memory that highlights your personal culture and history.
Choosing Your Dress
A Navajo bridal dress may be woven in symbolic colors of white for the east, blue for the south, yellow (orange) for the west, and black for the north. Turquoise and silver jewelry is worn by both the bride and groom. Other tribes can offer unique details that can be incorporated into your dress and the attire of your bridal party. Jewelry can also be considered a shield against the evils of life, including hunger, poverty, and bad luck.
No matter the dress you choose, there can be cultural details added in the jewelry or finishing touches, such as your hair and makeup. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate these pieces, you can be sure that your family and friends will appreciate the effort.
Aspects of Your Ceremony
While some Native American ceremonies are very informal, others can be quite formal. Those that are larger and more formal tend to be solemnized with feasts and merrymaking. The timing of the ceremony often coincides with the evening. The point is to choose attributes that represent both of your cultures.
Water is also a part of the ceremony, often used as a symbol of purification and cleansing. Part of the ceremony could include a symbolic washing of hands to wash away past evils and the memories from old loves and relationships.
Even your food can be reflective of your tribe or region. A Navajo couple, for instance, would share a maize pudding during the ceremony to symbolize the marriage bond.
Need More Tips for Your Native American Wedding?
From the wedding preparations to the ceremony itself, the Native American culture can be woven into your ceremony. If you have questions about how to incorporate these cultures and traditions, then head to our website for more details.
Wedding Details is your comprehensive guide to all aspects of your wedding. From traditional ceremonies to questions regarding the guests, our website offers you one place to do all your research.