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African-American traditions

Ms. fairytale weddingMs. fairytale wedding
10 Comments
in Wedding Customs & Traditions Forum
I really want to do something different at my wedding. I'm tired of seeing the jump the broom tradition. Does anyone have any ideas.My sister got married in December, she did the four taste of love. I thought that was beautiful, but of course I don't want to do that now because she did it. I want a traditions that symbolizes love and commitment. Can any one offer suggestions?
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Re: African-American traditions

  • trix1223trix1223 member
    5000 Comments 25 Love Its Combo Breaker
    Have you tried the African-American board?  They might have some ideas for you as well as people on this board.  GL
    "Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
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  • handfast4mehandfast4me member
    Seventh Anniversary 1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    The hands being bound together is Handfasting, and is the original ancient marriage ceremony.  Lots of info on the internet on it.  Because so many Christian churches do not allow that tradition, there's an alternative that is an altered version of it, called the Hands ceremony.  Just thought I'd throw it out there so you have a choice. 
    image Don't mess with the old dogs; age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill! BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.
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  • Ms. fairytale weddingMs. fairytale wedding
    10 Comments
    I will have to do some research, but I liike this idea. Thanks!
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  • Deidra123Deidra123
    100 Comments
    Handsfast4me, B/c the fastening of the hands is listed in the article that I found online for African wedding traditions, I thought I'd ask.  Are you saying that the tradition that is listed in the article is actually the ancient tradition that is the same as what is associated with the Wicca religion?  I was thinking of doing this but don't want to get into any religious ceremonies inadvertently.
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  • Deidra123Deidra123
    100 Comments
    I'm referring to the article above.  Thanks!
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  • kristi0618kristi0618
    1000 Comments
    Well we're in the same boat. I was thinking of adding a libations prayer to my ceremony. If you look on theknot they have an explanation of it. Just search african american and it normally pops up. I will try to link the page. I also was thinking of adding adinkra symbols (google them) they all have signicant means that touched me. My main problem was I didn't want to have an afrocentric theme. I'm still trying to figure away of adding these things to my wedding without going to far. Well I hope this helps. If you havent been on the AAW board check it out.http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings/african-american-weddings/articles/7-afrocentric-wedding-ceremony-traditions.aspx
    imageimageimageimage save the date BIO UPDATED 5-11-10
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  • handfast4mehandfast4me member
    Seventh Anniversary 1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    Yes, Stage is correct.  Most of the religious holidays that are recognized as "Christian" are actually Pagan too.  Even the colors associated with Christmas (which was originally the Yule, or solstice, celebration) are red and green, which are symbolic of the goddess and god.  The handfasting is originally Pagan, which is pre-Christian.  I read somewhere, although I did not book mark it, so I can't point you in the right direction, that jumping the broom was a Welsh ritual in which the gentleman was proposing that they have a relationship by putting the broom against the door jamb of the woman's home. If she left it, and stepped over it, she was accepting his "proposal."  If she removed it, then she was refusing it.    I hope I'm remembering that correctly.  Either way, yes, both customs pre-date Christianity.  
    image Don't mess with the old dogs; age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill! BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.
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