Weddings are the perfect time to celebrate your family’s culture, heritage, and traditions. Since it is Black History Month, we thought this was the perfect time to share some wonderful and meaningful African and African American wedding traditions that we see at our Springs Venues!
Probably one of the most well-known African or African American wedding traditions would be the jumping of the broom. The exact origin of this tradition is unknown, but many sources say that it can date as far back as the 18th century. However, it really grew its roots in American slave culture. To follow this tradition, the couple will jump over a broom to end their wedding ceremony to be officially married. “Jumping the Broom” is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new beginnings.” – Ka Veronica Braddy. Often, this small decorated broom is kept by the couple as a memento of their special day.
In this tradition, the bride and groom will taste four elements that represent different emotional times they will face in their marriage. The four flavors are sour, bitter, sweet, and spicy/hot. They are typically represented by lemon, vinegar, honey, and cayenne, respectively. This is to demonstrate that no matter what “flavor” life sends their way, they will be able to remain united.
A libation ceremony is a tradition that is known to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. During the ceremony, you pour alcohol or holy water on the ground in each of the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. This ritual helps the couple gain guidance and wisdom from those who lived before them.
Also fairly well known and celebrated in other cultures, we have the money spray or the money dance. This tradition is where the bride and groom dance while the guests pin or toss cash at them. This tradition symbolizes the guest’s wishes for a prosperous marriage for the couple. The couple receives the money to help jumpstart their life together. At The Springs, we have seen guests with money spraying guns to add an extra dash of fun! 😉
Textiles, patterns, and colors are a very important part of African and African American cultural heritage, which is why we tend to see them incorporated into black weddings. Some couples even opt to wear African royal fabrics, called Kente, which makes them King and Queen for a day. We see many couples at The Springs wear a typical suit or tux for the ceremony and change into these incredibly beautiful outfits for the reception. Check out Uzo’s awesome Kente reception outfit from his wedding at The Springs in Lake Conroe!
We love seeing our Springs couples’ culture and traditions shine on their wedding days! Everything from food and music, all the way to dresses and ceremony rituals; these traditions are what make each and every couple unique!
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Weddings are the perfect time to celebrate your family’s culture, heritage, and traditions. Let’s look at some wonderful and meaningful African and African American wedding traditions that we see at The Springs!
