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A Native American
wedding ceremony is a very beautiful event, whether it be an old
fashion 'ancient' ceremony or its modern day version.
Liken to many western
cultures, Native American wedding traditions differ from clan to clan
and community to community, but basically use the same ritual elements.
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Native American
wedding ceremonies are not only a commitment ritual between the bride
and the groom, but a commitment to the Creator.
The role of the
officiate is to make sure they are well aware of this commitment. The
bride and the groom will make a declaration that they choose to be known
as husband and wife. Then they smoke from a sacred pipe after tobacco is
offered and accepted by the officiate.
Northern
and Southern indigenous cultures believe that the Great Spirit
– Creator - is the source of all life.
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Creator is not pictured as a man in the sky but exists
formlessly throughout the universe.
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Some
Native American wedding ceremonies are informal, while others are quite
formal, involving much preparations, great feasts and merrymaking. Choose a traditional Native American wedding ceremony
with all the rites and preparations or simply receive your
blessings by a Native American Holy Man and officiate.
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A simple ceremony may entail the bride and groom
approaching a sacred fire, and receiving a blessing from a spiritual
officiate. All participants of the wedding, including guests are also
blessed. Songs are sung and the Creator is honored. Both the bride and groom are covered in a blanket
and/or bound together by a woven or beaded sash. At the right point of
the ceremony, the blanket or sash is removed,
indicating the beginning of their new life together.
Traditional Native American wedding require 1
to 2 weeks of preparation time in addition to the wedding ceremony.
Preparation for Alters - Keyholes - Prayer Ties and a Sweat Lodge along
with arrangements for the Give-Away and Celebration Feast require the
commitment, dedication and involvement of the family, elders and
spiritual leader. The couple may be required to perform
certain responsibilities in preparation for their wedding. These
responsibilities are determined by the officiate. After the sacred spot
for the ceremony has been blessed for seven consecutive days, it is time
for the ceremony.
A Feast is held for
all who attend which may include food items such as fry bread, venison,
mutton, buffalo, squash, beans, corn, corn soup, potato soup and desserts.
Fresh fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and the 'heart' berry,
strawberries, are served if available. There may also be a wedding cake.
In a traditional wedding, the food is placed on a blanket and served buffet
style. The
food is blessed. The Elders and the officiate will eat first, then the
bride, groom, sponsors and other guests. Nothing is wasted. All
of the food is either eaten or given away to the Elders.
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A Giveaway is held
after the Feast.
In preparation for the Giveaway, the future bride and groom make (or
buy) hundreds of gifts. A gift is given to each person attending
the celebration. The type of gift is dependant upon the talent and
financial ability of the couple. |
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Apache Wedding
Prayer
Now you will feel no
rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place
To enter into the days of your togetherness
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Aho
Mita O’yasin (We are all related)
Contact Us for information and pricing.
Phone: 928 567-4083
Email:
Bliss@LunaCountryWeddings.com
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Native American Ceremony
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