Traditions | The African-American Wedding

The Libation Ceremony

“To celebrate their African ancestry,” says Michelle Flores, founder of Floré Events, “we orchestrated a libation ceremony for one of our bridal couples. In this tradition, holy water or alcohol is poured out in each of the cardinal directions — north, south, east, and west — while prayers are recited and the names of those who recently passed away are called out.” Michelle and her team researched libation prayers, got the ornate vessels needed for the sacred ceremony, and then worked closely with the officiant to coordinate the ritual within the wedding ceremony.

“We always urge couples to involve friends and family members in the traditions of their culture,” says Claudia Charles, senior wedding specialist at Floré Events. “For example, in this ceremony, you can invite friends and family to explain the tradition and to call out the names of those who have passed, as well as to read prayers.” Others could be asked to carry and present the libation vessels, providing additional opportunities for those who could not be in the bridal party to still play a special role in the wedding.

One, Two, Three, Jump!

“Jumping the broom represents the symbolic sweeping away of all past problems,” says Michelle. “During the days of slavery, African-Americans were forbidden to marry and live together, so jumping over a broom, an item in every dwelling, was a way for them to publicly declare their union. We’ve helped many couples incorporate this  poignant tradition into their wedding day.” 

To honor the authenticity of this tradition, Floré Events worked with a designer to create a specially handcrafted broom for one recent wedding couple who jumped the broom into their lives as husband and wife. “We were also on hand during their wedding rehearsal to direct the placement of the broom for the ceremony and to ease the couple’s nervousness about the jump.

“The jump was a moving conclusion to the ceremony,” says Claudia, “and many of the guests and the couple themselves were left in a deeply reflective mood.”

Claudia encourages couples to bring personal elements into their own cultural traditions, whatever their culture might be. “For example, in an African-American wedding where they will jump the broom, I often suggest that, upon arriving at the ceremony, guests write their best wishes on colorful slips of paper.” Each slip is attached to a ring and then placed around the broom handle.

“Adding wishes from friends and family to the broom makes the jump even more symbolic. The slips of paper represent the love and support of those dearest to the couple.”

It is that love and support which symbolically “uplifts” the couple as they jump over the broom. “The guests also feel more connected to the ceremony by contributing their personal thoughts to this special ritual, and the couple will have heartfelt words that can be shared out loud during the reception and also kept as loving mementos of the day.”

Crossing Sticks

A lesser-known African-American wedding tradition involves crossing tall wooden sticks to represent both the life force within trees and the first two pieces of wood the couple will use to build their home together.

“By crossing the sticks, a couple demonstrates their wish for a strong and stable marriage. We also recommend personalizing this tradition by using sticks adorned with flowers or ribbons, or wooden sticks painted in the couple’s wedding colors.”

For an outdoor wedding, especially a beachside ceremony, Claudia suggests adding a colorful touch of drama. “We can tie sheaths of fabric to the sticks. The fabric can match the color palette of the wedding or can have the couple’s initials printed on them. The sight of the fabric, billowing in the wind, creates a stunning backdrop to the ceremony and adds an exciting flair while honoring the sacred tradition.”

Fashions & Décor

African cloth and fabric also can be used as runners, tablecloths, and napkins. For their wedding look, brides who admire ancient Egyptian styling can seek out long flowing gowns and adorn themselves with gold and turquoise accessories such as chains, earrings, rings, and bracelets.

Couples who prefer traditional African and Yoruba styles might consider wedding garments made of “aso oke,” or “royal cloth,” a hand-woven cotton fabric from Nigeria. If a couple wants a heavily Afrocentric wedding, they can ask the bridal party to dress in African clothing. Drummers and dancers also can introduce the bridal party in a procession at the ceremony or at the reception.

“We’ve helped many couples meld their ancestral history, whatever it might be, into their modern-day wedding vision,” says Michelle. “By honoring the past, couples can create poignant moments that enrich both their ceremony and ultimately their marriage.”

Floré Events
212.920.9534, floreevents.com

Symbolic Meaning

For an understanding of the African-American symbols that can be brought into a wedding, we caught up with Charmaine Jones, owner of CAKEDIVA®. With a background that includes a master’s degree in fine art and years of designing experience, Charmaine creates original cakes for weddings honoring many cultures, including those with an Afrocentric flair.

Her most famous Afrocentric cake, “Jumping the Broom,” is designed with four hexagons covered with edible African tapestry and calla lilies made of frosting.

For a  subtle look, Charmaine suggests traditional decorations with African tapestry, which she duplicates straight from original fabrics and which can be incorporated into many other aspects of the wedding, including invitations, table and ballroom décor, and favors.

Adinkra Symbols & Egyptian Ankhs

In creating an African-American themed cake, Charmaine considers the importance of various symbols, such as the Adinkra symbols. “These symbols are used in African culture and each represents particular words of wisdom.” 

There are over 100 Adinkra symbols. Some are very appropriate for a wedding, like the Akoma, a heart-shaped symbol representing patience and tolerance. Also appropriate for the wedding is the Akoma Ntoso, or “linked hearts,” which represents understanding and agreement. Couples who are more religious might want to include the Nyame Nti, shaped to suggest the branches of a tree and symbolizing faith and trust in God.

Charmaine brings various symbols into the couple’s wedding cake, just as the couple might also introduce those symbols into other aspects of their wedding, again, from their invitations to table and ballroom décor to favors.

Adinkra symbols, and Egyptian ankhs as well, also can be added to the bride’s gown, for example, by embroidering them in silver and gold threads on the hem, bodice, or train of the gown.

“I’ve incorporated Adinkra symbols into a lot of weddings,” says Charmaine. “When you want a unique handmade favor, the symbols you use in your wedding can be put on a scroll with their definitions. That helps tie the ceremony and reception together, and also helps educate guests as to their meaning. It’s an education your guests can take with them and incorporate into their own lives for generations to come.”

Charmaine also creates pyramid-shaped cakes featuring traditional Egyptian symbols. “The ankh symbolizes love and fertility, and concentric circles symbolize royalty.

“Another symbol of sorts is gold fondant, since gold is one of the colors of African royalty.”

Cowry Seashells, Rum-Soaked Cakes, & More

Cowry seashells also can be incorporated into the dress, the decorations, and the cake. Small and easily carried, they have distinctive shapes, creating a visual sense of value which prompted ancient peoples to use them as currency in Africa and in many other parts of the world as well. Today they represent good luck, prosperity, and abundance.

“Mud cloth and cowry shells are popular design themes that can be used throughout the wedding and brought back onto the cake with chocolate and cream decoration.”

Certain cake flavors also honor the African-American tradition. “One favorite is red velvet cake, which started in the South, where a lot of African-Americans started. Black cake started in the Caribbean.” 

Charmaine has a word of caution. “Black cakes are usually made with overproof rum plus cherries and dried fruits like currants and prunes, which themselves are soaked in rum for months. These cakes are very potent! So if someone wants to have a black cake or black cake favors, they can’t drive! I suggest eating that in the comfort of their own home.

“For any ethnic group, the same elements can be integrated into the wedding and onto the cake,” she says. “A cake sets a tone of happiness that you see and feel when the guests are enjoying themselves."