A Unique Union: Bridging Cultures in My Native American Wedding

My people, the NAC Native American community, do not have a traditional wedding ceremony as such. Instead, a man often moves into a woman's home after his family pays a bride price to her family. This practice, however, is not a rigid or universal one, and the specifics can vary among different tribes and families.

However, my story is a bit different. I was married twice to my husband: once in a private ceremony conducted by a 'road man,' who happened to be my uncle, in a Native American Church; and then again the following day in a Christian church with a Comanche pastor. My husband's family is devout Catholics, and they would never have accepted the validity of a NAC wedding. Yet, at the public second wedding, traditional Native American elements were weaved in beautifully.

Traditional Native American Wedding at the Native American Church

In the private ceremony, held in our Native American Church, we followed the traditional rites of the NAC. The 'road man,' my uncle, presided over the ceremony, which honored our people's ancient customs. During this ceremony, I wore a traditional elk skin dress, intricately decorated with elk teeth, and traditional women's boots adorned with 2-foot-long fringe. The boots were a gift from my grandmother's brother, adding a personal touch of heritage and family legacy to the event.

Integration with Christian Traditions

At the subsequent public Christian wedding, my husband’s family's devout Catholic beliefs were respected, and the ceremony took place in a grand church with a Comanche pastor. This second wedding served as a public acknowledgment of our union and a way to bridge the cultural gap between our two communities. However, this wasn't the complete absence of my Native American heritage. My attire on this day was a blend of tradition and modernity, with my bridesmaids dressed in outfits reminiscent of the models in a Robert Palmer video that was popular at the time. This choice reflected a fusion of cultures and personal style.

Visual Representation and Modern Elements

The visual elements of my wedding day were a testament to the integration of traditional and modern influences. My groomsfolk wore a black tuxedo with tails, maintaining a formal and respectful ambiance. The Comanche pastor’s presence was a nod to the Christian aspect of the wedding, while my attire symbolized the Native American roots I wanted to honor. The use of traditional instruments and attire during the church ceremony was another nod to my Native American heritage, seamlessly incorporating it into the modern event.

Conclusion

My wedding story is a unique blend of personal and cultural experiences. It highlights the beauty and challenges of bridging two different cultural and religious worlds. By embracing both the Native American traditions and the Christian significance of the event, we were able to create a memorable and meaningful union that honored both sides of our families' beliefs and traditions.

Keywords: Native American wedding, Native American traditions, cultural integration