Ethnic Wedding Traditions
Author: George Meszaros

Members of the Navajo nation have been using corn to symbolize
the marriage union. A pudding of white and yellow corn is
presented at the wedding reception. The bride enters the
reception with the basket of corn pudding and sits next to the
groom. The corn ceremony includes the cleansing of the bride
and groom's hands by each other, and the sharing of the corn
pudding. Then the bride and groom feeds the corn pudding to
each other.

Mexico is a Roman Catholic country; therefore, weddings happen
within a nuptial Mass. Godparents have a significant role in
the wedding ceremony. The madrina de lazo carries a rope or a
rosary symbolizing fertility. The rope is placed on the bride
and groom's head in a figure eight as they take their vows. The
madrina de arras holds 13 coins (for Jesus and his 12 apostles)
that are blessed by the priest and represent the sharing of
finances between the couple. Some godparents may hold wine
glasses for the wedding toast. During the nuptial Mass, the
couple may kiss a cross to show faithfulness to each other and
the God. Mariachi music is an essential part of Mexican wedding
celebrations. Before the first dance, the guests enclose the
couple in a heart-shaped ring. One Mexican wedding tradition
that should excite any child attending the wedding is the
ceremony piñata. Piñatas are part of Mexican wedding
celebrations.

Broom Jumping is one of the most popular African American
traditions at weddings celebrations. According to Harriette
Cole in her book, "Jumping the Broom." Our ancestors created
the ritual itself during slavery. Because slaves were unable to
perform legal marriages, they created their own wedding rituals
to honor their unions. The jumping of the broom symbolizes the
sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new. In other words,
it is a symbol of a new beginning. In modern times, the ceremony
is usually performed at the wedding after the minister
pronounces the couple man and wife or at the reception just
after the bridal party enters the reception area.

Be sure to explain your wedding tradition in your wedding
program. Your ethnic traditions are better understood and
enjoyed with proper explanation.


About The Author: George Meszaros
http://www.sweet-reflections.com