This ceremony is a lot different than the unity candle, but it does hold the same significance. Most couples that choose to do this ceremony choose to do it after they’ve exchanged rings. When the couple exchange rings, still facing each other the officiant then instructs them to join hands or place their hands flat together (palm to palm). After the couple join hands, the officiant will then recite a hand poem. There are lots of poems out there, but here is a sample poem that is usually said during the hand ceremony:
“These are the hands that will hold your hands for a lifetime. The hands that will be at the end of every embrace. They are the hands of your very best friend. The hands that feel like none other. They are the hands that will build a future together. The hands that will tenderly hold your children, and will encircle your family and make it one. The hands that will wipe life's tears of both joy and sorrow. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours offering the same unspoken support and tenderness with just one touch."
Showing posts with label Traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traditions. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, October 5, 2009
Traditions: Chinese Tea Ceremony
Serving tea, is a sign of respect at a Chinese wedding. That's why many couples include this tradition as an important part of their special day.
Traditionally, after the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea, inviting the groom’s elders to drink tea by addressing them by formal title, e.g. first uncle or third aunt.
The general rule is to have the woman on the left side and the man on the right side. The people being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel.
The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.
Why Tea?
Tea is probably used because it is China’s national drink and serving it is a sign of respect. Using tea is practical because not everyone can drink alcohol.
Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea for two reasons. First, the words “lotus” and “year,” “seed” and “child,” and “date” and “early,” are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage and every year, which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. Also, the sweetness of the special tea is a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.
Source
Traditionally, after the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea, inviting the groom’s elders to drink tea by addressing them by formal title, e.g. first uncle or third aunt.
The general rule is to have the woman on the left side and the man on the right side. The people being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel.
The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.
Why Tea?
Tea is probably used because it is China’s national drink and serving it is a sign of respect. Using tea is practical because not everyone can drink alcohol.
Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea for two reasons. First, the words “lotus” and “year,” “seed” and “child,” and “date” and “early,” are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage and every year, which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. Also, the sweetness of the special tea is a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.
Source
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How to Freeze or Preserve the top layer of your Wedding Cake
In light of my upcoming anniversary this Saturday, I thought it would be a great idea to share some helpful tips on how to freeze the top layer of your wedding cake.
Many couples save the top layer of their wedding cake and eat it on their first anniversary.Here is how you should really be freezing your cake if you want it to remain as fresh as possible for the entire year:
Refrigerate the cake overnight in order to firm up the icing.
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags.
Use a vacuum sealer or even a straw to suck out the excess air from the bags as any oxygen left in the bag may start to suck moisture from your cake.
Place the wrapped cake into the bakery box, and wrap the outside of the box in plastic wrap as well.
Place the covered bakery box in the freezer, and do not disturb for one year.
Note: Not all types of cakes or fillings are recommended for freezing for one year
Many couples save the top layer of their wedding cake and eat it on their first anniversary.Here is how you should really be freezing your cake if you want it to remain as fresh as possible for the entire year:
Refrigerate the cake overnight in order to firm up the icing.
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags.
Use a vacuum sealer or even a straw to suck out the excess air from the bags as any oxygen left in the bag may start to suck moisture from your cake.
Place the wrapped cake into the bakery box, and wrap the outside of the box in plastic wrap as well.
Place the covered bakery box in the freezer, and do not disturb for one year.
Note: Not all types of cakes or fillings are recommended for freezing for one year
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Traditions:: The Lasso ( El Lazo)
One of our September couples will be incorporating this tradition into their ceremony.
As a way of symbolizing unity, a large loop of rosary beads or lasso (cord) is placed in a "8" shape around the necks of the new couple after they exchange vows. The loop is symbolic of the couple's love which should bring them together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.
A double rosary lasso may be given by one set of parents and be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.
The lasso is sometimes made of entwined orange blossoms (symbolizing fertility and happiness).
A special person/couple places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, the groom's shoulder first. The lasso may also be tied around the couple's wrist. The couple then wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service.
At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple or the priest. Its then given to the bride as a memento.
As a way of symbolizing unity, a large loop of rosary beads or lasso (cord) is placed in a "8" shape around the necks of the new couple after they exchange vows. The loop is symbolic of the couple's love which should bring them together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.
A double rosary lasso may be given by one set of parents and be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.
The lasso is sometimes made of entwined orange blossoms (symbolizing fertility and happiness).
A special person/couple places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, the groom's shoulder first. The lasso may also be tied around the couple's wrist. The couple then wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service.
At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple or the priest. Its then given to the bride as a memento.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Traditions: : The Chuppah
The chuppah is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings.It consists of a cloth or sheet stretched and supported over four poles.
The chuppah represents the home that the couple will build together. The covering of the chuppah represents the presence of God over the covenant of the marriage.
How or where the chuppah is set up may often differ depending on whether the congregation is Orthodox, Conservative or Reform and whether the customs are Ashkenazi and Sephardic. The custom may require the chuppah to be "roofed" or be set up under open sky.
In modern trends, a chuppah can be made from any material and are even being used in non-Jewish ceremonies. It is often customized/personalized to suit the couple's needs. It can be as simple as having attendants hold the four poles or something more ornate and having a lot of fabric and flowers. Here are a few of some of the more trendy chuppahs used today:
Images 1 & 2 from HERE
Images 3 & 4 from HERE
The chuppah represents the home that the couple will build together. The covering of the chuppah represents the presence of God over the covenant of the marriage.
How or where the chuppah is set up may often differ depending on whether the congregation is Orthodox, Conservative or Reform and whether the customs are Ashkenazi and Sephardic. The custom may require the chuppah to be "roofed" or be set up under open sky.
In modern trends, a chuppah can be made from any material and are even being used in non-Jewish ceremonies. It is often customized/personalized to suit the couple's needs. It can be as simple as having attendants hold the four poles or something more ornate and having a lot of fabric and flowers. Here are a few of some of the more trendy chuppahs used today:
Images 1 & 2 from HERE
Images 3 & 4 from HERE
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Traditions:: The Rose Ceremony
This is a simple yet meaningful ceremony that involves the bride and the groom exchanging roses. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire marriage.
The rose also conveys how to use the rose and its symbolism in difficult times of the marriage.
During the rose ceremony, your officiant may say something like this:
"In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing-it meant the words I LOVE YOU. So it is appropriate that your first gift as husband and wife be a single rose...."
Other variations of the rose ceremony may include the husband and wife giving the roses to their mothers after they have exchanged with each other.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Afrocentric Traditions
The Jumping of the Broom is one of the most popular afrocentric traditions used in weddings today. Most brides are not aware of other afrocentric traditions. Here are 7 of these traditions that you may include in your wedding:
1. Knocking on the Door
Since marriage in African culture is considered the official joining of two families, a large emphasis is placed on getting family permissions and blessings before the wedding. In Ghana, the groom requests permission through the custom of "knocking on the door." Bearing gifts, he visits his potential in-laws accompanied by his own family. If his "knock" is accepted, the families celebrate and wedding planning begins. Or, simply plan an outing (like a brunch or dinner date) to bring both families together before the wedding and begin forming family bonds.
2. Jumping the Broom
This tradition most likely originated with an African ritual in which a broom is used to demonstrate that all past problems have been swept away. During slave days, African-Americans were forbidden to marry and live together, so jumping over a broom was a formal and public declaration of the couple's commitment. Today, it has become very popular for African-American couples to follow suit at the conclusion of their wedding ceremony. The broom, often handmade and beautifully decorated, can be displayed in the couple's home after the wedding. Check with local cultural institutions for broom makers and suppliers.
3. Crossing Sticks
In a lesser-known tradition that also dates back to the slavery era, African-American couples demonstrated their commitment by crossing tall wooden sticks. By crossing the sticks, which represent the power and life force within trees, the couple expresses a wish for a strong and grounded beginning. If you decide to incorporate this tradition, choose large branches from both of your families' homes or from a place meaningful to you as a couple.
4. Libation Ceremony
Many African-American couples incorporate a libation ceremony into their weddings as a way to honor their African ancestors. Holy water, or alcohol, is poured onto the ground in each of the cardinal directions as prayers are recited to the ancestral spirits, and names of those that have recently passed are called out. The libation ceremony can also be used as an opportunity to honor the elders in a family, asking them to pass on their wisdom and guidance.
5. Tying the Knot
In some African tribes, the bride and groom have their wrists tied together with cloth or braided grass to represent their marriage. To symbolize your own unity, have your officiant or a close friend tie your wrists together with a piece of kente cloth or a strand of cowrie shells (symbols of fertility and prosperity), while affirming your commitment.
6. Tasting the Four Elements
In a ritual adapted from a Yoruba tradition, the bride and groom taste four flavors that represent different emotions within a relationship. The four flavors typically used are sour (lemon), bitter (vinegar), hot (cayenne), and sweet (honey). By tasting each of the flavors, the couple symbolically demonstrates that they will be able to get through the hard times in life, and, in the end, enjoy the sweetness of marriage.
7. Kola Nuts
Kola nuts play an important role in African weddings. The nut, which is used for medicinal purposes in Africa, represents the couple's (and their families') willingness to always help heal each other. In Nigeria, the ceremony is not complete until a kola nut is shared between the couple and their parents. Among African Muslims the nut is also a symbol of fertility, and is exchanged with family members during the engagement celebration. Many African-American couples incorporate the sharing of a kola nut into their ceremonies, and then keep the nut in their home afterwards as a reminder to always work at healing any problems they encounter.
Source:The Knot
1. Knocking on the Door
Since marriage in African culture is considered the official joining of two families, a large emphasis is placed on getting family permissions and blessings before the wedding. In Ghana, the groom requests permission through the custom of "knocking on the door." Bearing gifts, he visits his potential in-laws accompanied by his own family. If his "knock" is accepted, the families celebrate and wedding planning begins. Or, simply plan an outing (like a brunch or dinner date) to bring both families together before the wedding and begin forming family bonds.
2. Jumping the Broom
This tradition most likely originated with an African ritual in which a broom is used to demonstrate that all past problems have been swept away. During slave days, African-Americans were forbidden to marry and live together, so jumping over a broom was a formal and public declaration of the couple's commitment. Today, it has become very popular for African-American couples to follow suit at the conclusion of their wedding ceremony. The broom, often handmade and beautifully decorated, can be displayed in the couple's home after the wedding. Check with local cultural institutions for broom makers and suppliers.
3. Crossing Sticks
In a lesser-known tradition that also dates back to the slavery era, African-American couples demonstrated their commitment by crossing tall wooden sticks. By crossing the sticks, which represent the power and life force within trees, the couple expresses a wish for a strong and grounded beginning. If you decide to incorporate this tradition, choose large branches from both of your families' homes or from a place meaningful to you as a couple.
4. Libation Ceremony
Many African-American couples incorporate a libation ceremony into their weddings as a way to honor their African ancestors. Holy water, or alcohol, is poured onto the ground in each of the cardinal directions as prayers are recited to the ancestral spirits, and names of those that have recently passed are called out. The libation ceremony can also be used as an opportunity to honor the elders in a family, asking them to pass on their wisdom and guidance.
5. Tying the Knot
In some African tribes, the bride and groom have their wrists tied together with cloth or braided grass to represent their marriage. To symbolize your own unity, have your officiant or a close friend tie your wrists together with a piece of kente cloth or a strand of cowrie shells (symbols of fertility and prosperity), while affirming your commitment.
6. Tasting the Four Elements
In a ritual adapted from a Yoruba tradition, the bride and groom taste four flavors that represent different emotions within a relationship. The four flavors typically used are sour (lemon), bitter (vinegar), hot (cayenne), and sweet (honey). By tasting each of the flavors, the couple symbolically demonstrates that they will be able to get through the hard times in life, and, in the end, enjoy the sweetness of marriage.
7. Kola Nuts
Kola nuts play an important role in African weddings. The nut, which is used for medicinal purposes in Africa, represents the couple's (and their families') willingness to always help heal each other. In Nigeria, the ceremony is not complete until a kola nut is shared between the couple and their parents. Among African Muslims the nut is also a symbol of fertility, and is exchanged with family members during the engagement celebration. Many African-American couples incorporate the sharing of a kola nut into their ceremonies, and then keep the nut in their home afterwards as a reminder to always work at healing any problems they encounter.
Source:The Knot
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sand Ceremony-Is this for you?
Many brides are now considering a Sand Ceremony as opposed to the traditional Unity Candle. I chose this option for my own wedding. The essence is to symbolize the union of "two into one". This sand version is not only beautiful and interesting but also more appropriate for an outdoor setting than candles. The bride and groom has two separarte containers with different color sand. They then come together and pour the two sands into into one container. Their flowing together symbolizes the joining of the couple. The newly formed union is represented by the intertwined pattern of sand created by the couple.
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