by: Stephanie Cutter
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Celebration Indian Wedding Vase
A wedding vase is traditionally used by Native American couples in the Southwest but it is being used increasingly by couples everywhere drawn to the culture's spirituality and reverence for nature, the earth, and the environment. During the ceremony each person drinks from a spout to symbolize both individuality and unity. The Celebration Vase is one-of-a-kind, handcrafted in New Mexico and measures 12" tall. It is signed by the artist, Marcus Homer of the Zuni Pueblo. It is important to know that this vase is made to hold liquid for a very short period of time. The vase should be emptied and dried promptly after the ceremony and should never be used as a vessel for liquid which will destroy the vase. More about the Indian Wedding Vase Ceremony.
Here are few wedding traditions from different cultures. If you like any of these wedding traditions that has meaning for you, adapt it freely for celebrating your wedding, without thinking about the culture from which it came.
1. Chinese wedding traditions
In Chinese wedding traditions, couples drink goblets of wine and honey. The bride eats jujubes, a date like fruit in order to raise the possibility of having a boy in the future.
2. African-American wedding traditions
Most of the couples from this tradition want to select traditional east African wedding ceremonies, but most have an American wedding. More couples incorporate the ‘jumping the broom’ practice into their weddings.
This custom is invented during the period of slavery when slaves are forbidden to marry. This is a way to express their commitment to one another. In African culture, they use brooms to remove evil from their homes and families. Some others think that this custom is a way to reject the evil that prohibits their union.
3. Jewish wedding traditions
These weddings are filled with tradition, beauty and ritual. Traditions greatly vary between Ashkenazi Jews and Sephardi Jews. Weddings should adhere more strictly to religious traditions if it is a traditional or conservative synagogue when compared to Reform or Reconstructionist synagogue.
Orthodox groom veil the bride in the ceremony prior to the actual wedding. Then groom signs a contract. It is a beautifully decorated document which consists of the promises that groom makes for the bride. The couple should cover their heads. Wedding is usually held in a canopy. After saying the vow, groom puts a gold band to bride’s finger.
4. Native American wedding traditions
There are various American tribes, whereas some wedding traditions are shared by several tribes. Some of these wedding traditions include:
• Northern California wedding traditions: There are two traditions in Northern California Native Americans. They include half marriage and full marriage. In half marriage, man pays half the usual price for the bride. He needs to live in bride’s home under her father’s authority. In full marriage, the man pays the total price of the bride. With his father’s help, he pays for the bride’s family. The future social status of the family and children depends on this price only.
• Delaware traditions: The girl in this tradition who reached puberty may have a union prearranged by their parents. The couple lives together as man and wife. During the occasion, man gives jewelry, blankets or a belt of wampum to bride’s parents. If the parents accept those gifts, then they approve their relation.
• Hopi tradition: In this tradition, either the male or female propose for the relation by presenting food gifts. Marriages are not permitted in this culture.
Nightfall Indian Wedding Vase
A wedding vase is traditionally used by Native American couples in the Southwest but it is being used increasingly by couples everywhere drawn to the culture's spirituality and reverence for nature, the earth, and the environment. During the ceremony each person drinks from a spout to symbolize both individuality and unity. This vase is one-of-a-kind hand etched and polished in New Mexico with traditional methods and materials. It measures 5.5" tall and is signed by the artist, Brenda.
Double Happiness Tea Ceremony Set
This contemporary tea set allows you to celebrate an age-old Chinese tradition of sharing tea with your family before the wedding. Or, present the set to the bride and groom as a keepsake wedding gift. Each piece bears the Chinese double happiness symbo. The set includes four tea cups and a tea pot beautifully gift boxed.
Tea Ceremony Kneeling Pillow
Luxurious red silk brocade is the perfect background to set off the large embroidered Chinese character of "Xi - Double Happiness". Use it as a kneeling pillow at your traditional tea ceremony or as a decorative accent at a party or in your home. It also makes a very appropriate wedding gift. 100% silk, each pillow measures 18" square.
Valencia Arras Box and Coin Set
This tiny gold box comes filled with 13 traditional arras coins for your wedding ceremony. A gold finish with faux pearl and crystal details make it perfect for presenting your arras coins during the ceremony and for storing them as a keepsake after the wedding. Set includes a hinged-topped box and 13 gold-finish coins. Each box measures 2".
Pearl and Gold Wedding Lasso
This very traditional wedding lasso is made of lustrous faux pearl and finished with rich gold accents. The piece arrives gift boxed for safe keeping before and after your ceremony.
Traditional Jewish Cake Topper
This Jewish groom wears the traditional white yarmulke, while his bride features a beautifully detailed veil, dress and flowers. This piece is made of hand painted porcelain and measures 7.5" tall.
Jewish Breaking Glass Pouch
To represent "Many Pieces, Many Years, and Many Blessings Together", this white pouch is embroidered with a Star of David and closes with a simple ribbon tie. Glass is not included.
"My Beloved" Unity and Kiddush Cup
This handcrafted piece can be used as a traditional Jewish Kiddush cup, or by couples of any denomination as a unity cup. It's created by artist Gary Rosenthal using metal and fused colored glass so every one is one-of-a-kind, and worthy of passing to the next generation. This piece bears handwritten text from the Song of Songs in the Old Testament "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine".
Star Of David Bookmark Favors
Add a lasting memento to a celebration of Jewish tradition with these Star of David bookmark favors Universally recognized as a symbol of Judaism today, the triumphant Star of David is a revered sign of faith. And, this exceptional bookmark favor makes the most of this treasured design. Available online only, each favor measures 2" x 2" and has a cutout shiny silver metal, six pointed, Star of David shaped charm with a blue tassel attached at its top for marking your last-read page. A perfect choice as Bar or Bat Mitzvah favors or for any Jewish celebration, each bookmark comes packaged in a clear topped box with a blue base, tied with a blue satin ribbon and an attached blue "For You" tag.
Shamrock Medallions Cellophane Favor Bag Kit
Get your creative Irish juices flowing by putting together this kit of three delicious shamrock milk chocolates in a cello bag tied off with a cute organza bow. Each finished favor bag kit measures 4.75"x 3" in size. Includes cellophane bag, 3 milk chocolate shamrock medallions, and organza ribbon in your choice of color. Components are sent flat for a fresh, wrinkle free appearance. Kit assembly is required.
Shamrock/Trinity Love Knot Key Rings
Containing two enduring symbols of love and good fortune, this shamrock/trinity love knot design key ring is a perfect choice Throughout Ireland, both the shamrock and the trinity love knot are much loved emblems of the country's culture and spirit. And, these keychain favors bring both together in one special memento. Each exclusive key chain favor measures 3" x 1 3/4" and features a dramatic green and ivory colored poly resin shamrock and trinity love knot design charm with a silver metal chain and key ring extending from its top. Each comes in a clear topped box with a shamrock design base, tied with a white organza bow and an attached ivory and green oval "For You" tag.
Celtic Shamrock Ring Bearer Pillow
This pillow is made of crisp white linen and comes embroidered with a pretty spray of shamrocks in your choice of green, gold, silver or white thread. A satin ribbon is included on top of the pillow and may be tied in a decorative bow or used to attach your rings to the pillow.
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