Cherokee Wedding Ceremony Customs

  Traditional Cherokee Wedding Ceremony Vase   The traditional Cherokee wedding ceremony has been nearly lost in time. No records of a Cherokee wedding ceremony appear in any history books. Cherokee couples have attempted to recreate the sacred ceremony as best as possible. Here I have compiled some of the elements of the ceremony.  

Sacred Fire

As is true for many Native American tribes, fire is sacred to the Cherokees. A Sacred Fire ceremony begins with three separate fires made from the wood of seven different types of trees. One large wood pile is prepared in the center, the fire of which will represent both the Creator and the wedded union. One to the south and one to the north, the holy elder lays the wood for two smaller fires which represent the individual lives of the bride and groom before their union. The holy man and the assembly sing sacred songs and recite ancient prayers, as he and the bride and groom sprinkle sage, tobacco, corn, and sweet grass over their respective wood piles. As they say a prayer, the bride and groom light their respective fires. As their fires begin to burn brightly, the two gently push their smaller fires into the larger wood pile, which soon lights. The assembly bursts into song in praise to the Creator as the two fires burn as one with the Creator's fire.  

The Basket Ceremony

Next, the mother of the bride brings her daughter a basket with an ear of corn or a loaf of bread. The mother of the groom brings him a leg of cooked venison, also in a basket. The mothers also bring a blue blanket which they drape over their child's shoulders. The blue blankets represent the sorrow of their lives before their union. They also represented the old ways of the individual, personal failures, weaknesses, and sorrows. Now draped with the blankets of their individuality and carrying their baskets, they begin to walk to the center of the room, toward each other. Upon meeting in the center, for the first time they look into each other's eyes directly. This act of intimacy remains forbidden during courtship. Next, the Cherokee bride grasps the corner of her groom's blanket and gently folds it within her own blanket, as she hands him her basket of corn or bread. This act symbolizes her commitment to keep their home and nurture and support her husband. The groom then hands his bride the basket of cooked venison. His act symbolizes his promise to provide for all her needs and protect her from all harm.  

Cherokee Wedding Blanket

After the Basket Ceremony, close relatives step forward carrying a large white blanket. They drape it over the shoulders of the couple, covering over their weaknesses, failures, shame, and sorrows. Now their lives are joined in happiness, fulfillment, and peace. The tribe's chief steps forward at this time, declaring, "The blankets are joined." This concludes the official Cherokee wedding ceremony. Some couples choose to add a Wedding Vase Ceremony at this point.  

The Wedding Vase

Take a quick look at the vase in the photo above. You'll see that it has two pouring spouts. At the close of their wedding ceremony, a Cherokee bride and groom attempt to drink simultaneously out of the vase. If they manage to do so without spilling even a drop, they can expect mutual understanding throughout their marriage. Most Cherokee couples enjoy a recitation of the Cherokee Wedding Prayer, which honors the three forces of nature - fire, wind, and water - as well as the blessings each brings to the marriage. Finally, members of the tribe perform a Stomp Dance to celebrate the union.