Ethnic Wedding Traditions

Here are some wedding ceremony traditions from several cultures.

African-Americans: Some couples wear African-printed fabrics as part of their traditional American dress. Others pick headdresses or complete African dress. At the conclusion of the wedding, it is normal for the couple to jump over a broom during the recessional. This custom dates back to when the West Africans were brought to America as slaves. They were stripped of their right to marry so they developed secret marriage traditions. In West Africa it was customary for a bride to sweep the house of her in-laws. So engaged slave couples would jump over a broom to the beat of a drum.

Chinese: The bride's dress is often red, to represent the color of love and joy. Many couples like to honor their ancestors with a tea, where they kneel before older relatives, offering cups of tea as a symbol of respect.

Filipino: When a couple becomes engaged, they they have to obtain the permission of the bride's family. This is called the pamanhikan. If her family says yes, it is during this meeting that the details of the wedding will be discussed. It is custom for there to be sponsors for Filipino weddings. These sponsors can be family friends or elders within the couple's families. Sponsors add to the wedding by offering advice and taking on some costs such as the bride's dress or reception party.

Hawaiian: Some Hawaiian couples will wear maile or pikake leis for their wedding clothes. This tradition is adopted by many couples in Hawaii, whatever their heritage. Luau foods are served to the couple and some people may have a Hawaiian blessing as part of their marriage ceremony. The bride will sometimes dance a hula for her new husband during the ceremony.

Jewish: No one set of rules applies to all Jewish weddings. Ceremonies may be planned at any time except on the Sabbath, on Holy Days or festival periods. There is the signing of the the Ketubah by the groom. The Ketubah is an illustrated:illustrated and artistically lettered document in Hebrew detailing what the groom promises to offer the bride.

The end of the ceremony is heralded by the groom breaking a napkin-wrapped wineglass underfoot, remembering the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

Whatever wedding traditions you pick to put in your marriage ceremony or reception, it's a memorable way to provide some character to one of the oldest institutions- marriage.

Rev. John Souter is the founder and main minister for Maui Me(R) Inc., Hawaiian Weddings company. He can be reached at Maui Weddingsin Hawaii or by calling him on his toll free number: 1-800-856-3270. Also, if you are interested in investing in real estate, take a look at: Nouveau Riche University.