|
By Ashely West-Albin
When it comes to your wedding, you want it to be like your fingerprints- like no other in the world. It’s a couple’s one special day, joining their hearts, spirits and lives and you both want it to be as memorable and special as possible. Whether you are planning a traditional wedding or are going to walk down the aisle on the wild side, sometimes you can use wedding customs from other cultures; especially ones from your own heritage. African American Libation Ceremony Many African American couples slip a libation ceremony into their service to honor elders in the family and ancestral spirits of those who have recently passed. Holy water or alcohol is poured onto the ground in each of the cardinal directions as prayers are recited. Both ancestors and elders are summoned and asked for wisdom and guidance for the couple’s new life together. Japanese Sake Sharing Ceremony Most Japanese couples include a sake-sharing ceremony that cements the bonds between the bride and groom’s family. Three sake cups are stacked, then the bride, groom and their parents takes three sips from each cup. Eastern European Dough Ceremony This fun Russian Georgian wedding ritual is held at the home of the bride. She begins by kicking over a pitcher of wine and dispersing bread dough throughout the house. The dough ceremony guarantees fertility and comfort for the couple. Indian Henna Body Art Henna is a plant-derived temporary stain that has been used to adorn the bodies of young women at weddings and holidays since the late Bronze Age throughout the eastern
|