Weddings are an important part of any culture, representing the coming together of families and the union of two people in love. For the Cherokee people, weddings are especially sacred and involve a number of meaningful traditions that go back centuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique and beautiful traditions surrounding Cherokee weddings.
The Sacred Fire Ceremony
One of the most important traditions in a Cherokee wedding is the sacred fire ceremony. This is a ritual that takes place on the day of the wedding itself, and involves the creation of two small fires, one for each of the to-be-weds. During the ceremony, the couple will sprinkle their respective fires with sage, tobacco, corn, and grass, and offer wedding prayers.
As they say the wedding prayers, the couple will ignite their respective fires and keep them burning throughout the day and into the night. The fires represent the presence of the divine and serve as a reminder of the couple’s commitment to each other and to their spiritual beliefs.
The Seven Blessings
Another important Cherokee wedding tradition is the Seven Blessings. These are a series of blessings that are offered to the couple by seven members of the wedding party or family.
The blessings are typically given by people who have been important influences in the couple’s lives, such as close family members or mentors. Each blessing offers words of encouragement and wisdom to the couple, and is meant to help guide them on their journey together.
The Wedding Dance
The wedding dance is another important tradition in Cherokee weddings. This is a social dance that involves the entire wedding party and is meant to celebrate the union of the couple.
The dance is led by the bride and groom, who move around the dance floor in a clockwise direction. As they move, the other members of the wedding party join in, forming a circle around the couple.
The wedding dance is a joyful celebration of love and community, and is a perfect way to bring everyone together to celebrate the newlyweds.
The Wedding Feast
No Cherokee wedding is complete without a wedding feast. This is a time for the entire community to come together to share food and celebrate the couple’s union.
The feast typically consists of traditional Cherokee foods such as cornbread, hominy, and Cherokee bean soup, as well as other dishes that have been prepared by members of the community.
The wedding feast is another expression of the Cherokee belief in the importance of community, and is a symbol of the couple’s connection to their families, friends, and the wider community.
The Wedding Pottery
Another unique tradition in Cherokee weddings is the use of wedding pottery. This is a set of pottery that is made specifically for the wedding and is decorated with symbols and designs that represent the couple’s union.
The pottery is typically created by a skilled Cherokee potter, and is presented to the couple during the wedding ceremony. It is then used by the couple to eat and drink from throughout their married life.
The wedding pottery is a beautiful symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other, and serves as a reminder of the sacred nature of their union.
Conclusion
Cherokee weddings are rich with tradition, symbol, and meaning, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and values of this ancient culture. From the sacred fire ceremony to the Seven Blessings, the wedding dance, and the wedding feast, each tradition serves as a celebration of love, community, and the divine.
By honoring these traditions, Cherokee couples create a powerful and meaningful foundation for their marriage, one that is rooted in the wisdom and beauty of their culture and the people who came before them.