The wedding vase is a single vessel with two spouts, which represent the man
and woman living separate lives. The bridge between the two spouts
symbolizes the two lives now coming together, in the sacred ceremony of
marriage, to become one.
In the
Native American tradition, the parents of the groom provide the vase one to
two weeks prior to the wedding. During this festive time, both sides of the
family give gifts and advice to the bridal couple.
During
the ceremony the vase is filled with water that has been blessed by the
tribal medicine man. First, the bride drinks from one spout and then, after
turning the vase clockwise, gives it to the groom, who drinks from the
opposite spout. Drinking the holy water brings the couple together in an
emotional bond while declaring their trust and reverence in the future, much
like the exchanging of wedding rings. In some tribal ceremonies, it is said
that the wedding couple will wash their hands with the blessed water. As is
true with most Native American customs, there is much diversity and change
among villages.
The
wedding vase is a sacred treasure to be kept by the couple throughout their
lives together, and often is treated as an heirloom to be passed on to the
family.
On these
pages you'll find an assortment of styles and price ranges. If you select
one of these items and it's already sold, we'll do our best to find a piece
that most closely suits your needs. Or, if these pieces aren't quite what
you're looking for,
contact us and we'll see what we can
find for you.
