As featured in August 1996
Kiss of Culture
Ethnic Wedding Traditions
By Nicole Volta Avery
In the beginning, there were no elaborate churches or mosques. There were no glimmering white gowns or dapper tuxedos. There was no need to discuss guest lists or the menu because then, there was only love and a humble broom.
African-American wedding traditions are rooted in slavery. At that time, marriage between slaves was not sanctioned by most plantation owners. However, African Americans created unique wedding traditions despite the circumstances. Jumping the broom was one of them.
In 1993, Harriette Cole, a former editor of Essence magazine,
published a book that celebrates the history and customs of African-American
weddings. Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner,
proved to be a much needed resource for black couples. In November 1993,
the book was expanded and an updated paperback version was released. A wedding
workbook joined the latest edition in February 1996.
"At the time when Jumping the Broom was published, there was empty space in most bookstores as far as information on African-American wedding traditions," Cole says. "Marriage is one of the most sacred junctions. And for people who are culturally aware, it's only natural for them to want to incorporate aspects of their culture in their weddings."
Jumping the Broom looks at all aspects of wedding planning-from selecting rings to food and attire-from a black perspective. A comprehensive resource guide lists information on black-owned and inspired professional wedding services including caterers, jewelers, designers, florists, and musicians.
Cole employed the services of some of these professionals when she married George Chinsea one month after the first edition of Jumping the Broom hit the bookshelves. Their "unification of families ceremony" took place in a traditional Japanese tea garden filled with gardenias.
Cole's dress and coat were the color of the sunset. She wore fragrant oils applied by her mother. The new couple closed the ceremony by jumping the broom.
"I often talked about jumping the broom, but I discovered how powerful and beautiful a tradition it is when we incorporated it in our wedding," Cole says. "I would suggest that all African-American couples choose some tradition that is a part of our cultural heritage."
While conducting research for Jumping the Broom,
Cole learned that in addition to the increasing popularity of African weddings,
there are many people who want a single kiss of culture.
"Incorporating a cultural splash in your wedding is not difficult," Cole says. Some couples add jumping the broom to their otherwise traditional Western wedding customs. But there are other little things you can do like giving cowrie shells to guests. Or, rather than wearing perfume, try wearing oils," she explains.
For more noticeable differences, Cole suggests replacing satin cummerbunds and bow ties with accessories made from African fabric. Or selecting a wedding gown from the collections of black designers.
Even though Cole's books are filled with suggestions, they cannot be categorized as mere instructional manuals. Jumping the Broom provides readers with wedding history as it relates to African Americans and other people of the African diaspora.
"I traveled the world learning about the histories of people of African descent. At the heart of the African wedding is the joining of the two families. This union produces the foundation for communities," Cole explains.
"If black people look at their cultural heritage, we can find the resources and integrity to sustain ourselves. Our history contains so much beauty and positivity. We need to respect that which is beautiful about ourselves." Marriage should not be entered into lightly, but high divorce rates would suggest otherwise. By most accounts, the divorce rate in the United States almost doubled from the 1960s to the 1980s. If the trend continues, one in every two marriages will end in divorce. One of the primary problems lies in how we-as a society-view marriage, Cole maintains.
"Consider that marriage is spiritual and at the moment of union you are making a covenant with God. A certain level of commitment transcends the two of you. Everyone I've ever interviewed has had rocky roads, and that's okay," she says. "You have to work at it. This powerful union of families is something that is part of the African-American legacy. The promise starts with a blessing given by both sides," she said.
"In actuality, you are getting the blessing of the people you love the most and they become part of the covenant to help build bridges. "Marriage is a sobering experience...the art of compromise is required," Cole emphasizes.
Last September, Harriette Cole created Profundities Inc., a style and literary production company "founded to explore the little things that are profound about the human experience." Her next project is an etiquette book for African Americans.
| |
Join readers who want a unique perspective on issues that affect the African-American community and keep up with the times. To have inspiring feature stories like this as well as other newsbriefs, commentaries, reviews, and special reports delivered to your door every month, subscribe to about...time Magazine today and save up to 68% off the newsstand price! |
|
