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Introduction
Every culture has its own unique and long-standing wedding traditions. In this article, we explore some specific modern traditions as well as celebrate other cultural traditions still present in modern weddings.
Modern Traditions with Cultural Roots
The traditions listed here may have many different cultures attributed to them or perhaps they are traditions whose origins were lost with time. However, some specific groups still celebrate these traditions and any of them would be a unique element in any wedding ceremony.
The Cookie Table
This tradition is thought to have been brought over from Italian and Eastern European immigrants to the United States. The cookie table is a popular wedding element primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio though its popularity has spread to New England and various locations around the the world.
The cookie table is a table set up at the wedding reception which showcases a smorgasbord of cookies. Members of the family, the wedding party, and wedding guests are invited to bring cookies to add to the cookie table so that all may enjoy.
Cord of Three Strands
The Cord of Three Strands is a Christian ceremony that symbolizes the joining of bride and groom with God. At some point in the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom braid the Cord of Three Strands together. The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. This is similar to the rope braiding ceremony listed below.
Rope Braiding Ceremony
This tradition is very old and may have been a wedding tradition practiced in early cultural hearths. Today is remains a tradition in handfastings and weddings. The rope braiding ceremony is similar to the Unity candle ceremony, rose ceremony, etc. in that it is a unification ceremony. It symbolizes the joining of different lives into one cooperative life.
In this ceremony, there are threads or ropes for each participant with a mininum of 3 ropes or strands. The couple (and all else who may be participating- such as children or other family members) then braids the rope together to symbolize a cooperative effort to make the relationship work and a mutual commitment to be steadfast in their committment to one another. The braided rope is then sometimes blessed and then may either be put aside, used to loosely bind together the hands of the participants, draped over the shoulders of the participants, or forms a circle on the floor around the participants.
Rope Braiding Ceremony Wording
Generic, Modern Ceremony
Officiant: Let us celebrate together this union between (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) with the symbolic braiding of the rope. Each strand represents their individual lives and desires. The third strand represents the new life they hope to forge together. As they work together to braid the rope, they are reminded that they must work together to make this marriage successful.
Ceremony Uniting a Family
'Officiant: Each member of the family is an integral part of the unit. Through the braiding of this rope, we symbolize the cooperation needed to hold a family together. The new family being created today is one made of love and is a family of choice. The couple and the (child/children) being united together by this covenant pledge to weave their individual lives together to form a solid family unit.
Unity Candle
For more information on unity candles and unity candle ceremonies, please see the Unity candle page.
Rose Ceremony
For more information on rose ceremonies, please see the Rose ceremony page.
Sand Ceremony
For more information on sand ceremonies, please see the Sand ceremony page.
Culture-Specific Ceremonies
These ceremonies are specific to wedding ceremonies of particular ethnicity or culture, arranged by culture.
Jewish Weddings
Depending on the religious preferences of the couple, the ceremony may be a fusion of Jewish customs and other customs or a strictly traditional Jewish wedding. This section focuses primarily on the most popular customs. For more detailed information on Jewish weddings, please see the Jewish wedding page.
External Links & Sources
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