Traditional African Wedding Traditions
Whether you have an African background, it is your favorite holiday or you are looking for an interesting wedding theme, African traditions are varied and have a lot to offer a modern wedding. If you wish to incorporate some African traditions in your wedding then it is likely that you will be interested to not only find out what they are but about their origins. Here is some information about interestingAfrican wedding traditions.
Wedding attire
Where the bride and groom come from will often be reflected in their attire. Heritage is often displayed through color and design choices. Garments vary from elaborate African shawls to a four piece ensemble called a bubah. Modern brides may wear an African inspired bridal gown accessorized with bejeweled wrists and necks or hair braids.
Jumping the broom
The exact origins of this tradition are unknown although it is commonly linked to the slavery era in America when African slaves were forbidden to marry. As an alternative, they would show their commitment to one another by jumping over the broom. They did this to the beat of African drums. African-Americans have continued this tradition with the jumping of the broom taking place at the end of the ceremony. The broom handle is often elaborately decorated and many couples keep this as a memento of their day and even display it in their marital home.
Tasting the four elements
The bride and groom taste four flavors (typically bitter, sour, sweet and hot) that represent the four elements. The foods used are usually cayenne, lemon, vinegar and honey. This is a Yoruba ritual that symbolizes that the couple will enjoy the good times in marriage as well as get through the bad times.
Tying the knot
It is thought that the popular saying 'tying the knot' comes from the African tradition of the bride and groom having their wrists tied together during the ceremony. Many couples still do this tradition and have their wrists tied with kente cloth or cowrie shells.
Cowrie shells
These shells are form West Africa and they symbolize fertility and prosperity. They are often used as decoration throughout the wedding including attire, the decorations and the cake.
Libation ceremony
In this ceremony alcohol or Holy water is poured on the ground while prayers are said to the ancestral spirits. This is to honor ancestors or those who have recently passed away.
Adinkra symbols
These symbols each have their own meaning and many African brides have Adinkra symbols woven or embroidered into their wedding gowns. View examples of Adinkra symbols and theirmeanings here.
Kola nuts
These are used in traditional African weddings to symbolize a couples willingness to heal each other. They are also used in Africa for medicinal purposes. In a traditional Nigerian ceremony the ritual is completed by the couple and their parents sharing a kola nut. African-American couples have continued the tradition by incorporating the nut into their wedding and some even keep the nut at home following the ceremony to remember their day.
Conclusion
African wedding traditions are varied dependent upon the exact country that the tradition relates to. They have been influenced by culture, history and religion. Many brides of African origin continue these traditions in modern weddings by incorporating different elements of these traditions into the ceremony, attire and celebrations.
