A Native American holy man officiated Native American marriages.
Marriage ceremonies are filled with symbolism. Rituals surrounding weddings have cultural and religious underpinnings. Native Americans had certain ceremonies that signified the joining of a man and woman. From courtship to wedding feasts, customs were dictated by the particular Native American tribe. The couple said words of praise to the Great Spirit, and the couple followed practices that honored the rich heritage of the Native American people.
Spirituality
Unlike Anglo-Saxon traditions, where a particular deity is identified in ceremonies, Native Americans invoked the notion of a more-universal spirit. The spirit did not take on a human appearance, but was reflected in the life forces: water, air, fire and land. Marriage vows acknowledged this formless spirit giving life to the universe.
Water
In most tribes, the bride and groom used water in the marriage ceremony. Some poured it over themselves or washed their hands together to symbolize purification and cleansing. The couple performed this ritual to wash away evil spirits and bad memories and thus start their married lives refreshed. In Hopi tradition, the hair of both the bride and groom were washed together in a single basin, then entwined to signify their lifelong union.
Music and Blessings
Songs were sung in the language of the Native American tribe or clan during marriage ceremonies. Music was played on traditional instruments, flutes or drums, in both formal and informal ceremonies. The couple adorned in special attire as dictated by their tribe would approach a Native American holy man or spiritual officiate to receive a blessing in the presence of their families.
Gifts
To complete the marriage union, the couple and their families exchanged gifts, both monetary and symbolic in nature. These gifts included kernels of corn, representing fertility; feathers, standing for truth and loyalty; and stones, standing for strength and wisdom. In some tribes, the bride and groom shared sips from a two-spouted wedding vase or smoked from one sacred pipe during the ceremony to signify their unity.
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