Ethnic Weddings

Members of the Navajo nation have used corn throughout history to symbolize the marriage union. According to Navajo tradition, a pudding of white and yellow corn is offered at the wedding reception. The bride enters the reception with the basket of corn pudding and sits next to the groom. The corn ceremony comprises the cleansing of the bride and groom's hands by each other, and the sharing of the corn pudding. Then the bride and groom feeds the corn pudding to each other. Because Mexico is a Roman Catholic country, weddings usually occur within a nuptial Mass. Godparents play an important role in the wedding ceremony. The madrina de lazo carries a rope or a rosary symbolizing fertility. The rope is positioned on the bride and groom's head in a figure eight as they take their vows. The madrina de arras holds 13 coins (for Jesus and his 12 apostles) that are blessed by the priest and represent the sharing of finances between the couple. Often, godparents hold wine glasses for the wedding toast. During the nuptial Mass, the couple may kiss a cross to show faithfulness to each other and the Lord. Mariachi music is a vital part of Mexican wedding celebrations. Prior to the first dance, the reception guests enclose the couple in a heart-shaped ring. The Mexican wedding tradition that should excite any kid attending is the ceremony pi