Native american traditions of marriage

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"The bride and groom have asked me to make special mention of the bridesmaids who have done so much to help the day run so smoothly. They were charming and decorative and I know gave Linda all the support she needed. In fact you could say they added the finishing touch to a fairy tale wedding."

There are as many different Native American traditions of marriage as there are Native American tribes. Each tribe has its specific customs and rituals that are particular to that tribe only, however there are many aspects of Native American wedding rituals and marriage processes that they share in common. While each tribe differs they all share a common belief in the Great Spirit and the four elements of earth, sky, fire and water.

1. Courtship

   • Each tribe had its own ways but in general courtship was able to begin after a girl had reached puberty and had gone through her particular tribe's adolescent rituals. Once they were ready to receive courtship, males could make offerings or leave symbolic gifts as an indication of a desire to marry. In some cases the girl could offer a gift such as cake to a male and if he accepted it meant he accepted marriage. Sometimes the union was arranged by the parents and involved gifts and bargaining. In most cases chastity was highly valued in girls before marriage.

   Singing

   • Singing or music was always an important accompaniment at most Native American ceremonies and weddings were no exception. Singing is the dominant form of musical expression in Native American culture with drums as a rhythmic accompaniment. Men would gather in circles around a drum and sing together. Love songs and poetry sung to the accompaniment of a flute was also a feature.

   Food

   • Like most weddings anywhere food is a key requirement. In most traditions it was an occasion for feasting and great preparations would be made before the day. Foods such as breads, venison and buffalo, beans, corn and many fruits and delicacies were common.

   Ceremony

   • The ceremony would be held in the evening and prayers would be said to the Great Spirit. In many tribes a love potion would be prepared with specially selected herbs and plants to bring forth a successful union. Bride and groom would dress in ceremonial clothing and in some tribes would have their hair woven together to signify lifelong union. In many tribes a special pipe would be prepared for the participants to smoke together.

Source: www.ehow.com

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