In
the Native American tradition, usually a week or two before they are married,
the future husband's parents make the Wedding Vase. When the Vase has
been made, the husband, along with her parents and all his relatives go
to the bride's house. The bride brings out everything she will need to
establish their new home together: clothing, utensils, mattress, moccasins,
corn, and any other homemaking essentials. The parents of both bride and
groom give the young couple advice to help them have a happy and successful
marriage. Indian holy water is placed in the Wedding Vase and the Vase
is turned around and given to the bride. She will pour the water from
one sprout of the Vase (which represents the husband) onto the groom's
hands, turn it around again and give it to the groom, who then pours the
water from the opposite sprout of the Vase (which represents the wife)
onto the bride's hands. The looped handle symbolizes the unity that is
achieved with marriage. The ceremony unites them as one. The couple will
treasure the Vase throughout their married life. Should one of them outlive
the other, the remaining person will give the Vase to a couple known to
be living a happily married life. The Wedding Vase is treasured and protected
always. It is never broken or destroyed.
