There’s a reason getting married is referred to as “tying the knot.” As two lives become one, they are metaphorically knotted together, which is sometimes expressed literally through the binding of the couple’s wrists by their officiant. say their love is ‘God-sent’ Tying the Knot (Literally) Photo: AdobeStock Olympian Sydney McLaughlin and Andre Levrone Jr. “We don’t know if our ancestors were Yoruba, Igbo, or some other nation of people, but we do know that our ancestors persevered through the barbed wire of anti-Black racism and created ‘a way out of no way’ for us to live these modern lives that are often beyond our ancestors’ wildest dreams. We feel a sense of gratitude for the sacrifices of our ancestors and a libation ceremony is an ideal way to amplify a Black couple’s gratefulness.” “African American couples may not be able to claim a specific lineage,” acclaimed officiant Kim Kirkley, Esq. But its significance is resonant throughout numerous cultures in myriad contexts-and likewise at any type of wedding celebration. One of many rituals that may take place during a knocking ceremony is the pouring of libations to honor the ancestors. If this tradition sounds too patriarchal, consider an additional tidbit from : “In some cultures, both Ghanaian and African, it is sometimes flipped the other way round where the woman is to perform the knocking ceremony.” Pouring Libations Photo: AdobeStock Lastly, the intended is asked if they accept the proposal. In turn, the family of the intended presents an engagement list outlining their requirements for betrothal-traditionally including a dowry. The asking party must not only bring their family to the door of their intended but a spokesperson must speak on their behalf. In fact, notes that historically, knocking on the door and being accepted by the family often constituted the marriage itself-but again, there are layers to this tradition. The groom will be accompanied by his family to formally ask the bride’s family for the bride’s hand in marriage.” We’ve all heard it’s bad luck for fiancées to see each other before the wedding, but if you’ve yet to propose (or just want to make it extra-official), how about reaching back to Ghana for the Ashanti tradition of “kokooko,” or knocking on the door? As Culture Trip explains, “Knocking or ‘ kokooko‘ is the first step in the marriage process, and is a symbol of respect in the direction of unifying two families. Should you choose to jump the broom with your beloved, you are undeniably taking part in an aspect of Black history-and creating some of your own, as many bridal brooms become cherished family heirlooms. For those who choose to participate, it’s performed in much the same way a Jewish groom breaks a glass at the end of his wedding ceremony, a ritual Insider notes is also tied to painful events in that culture’s history. While jumping the broom is popular, it’s also somewhat controversial, due to its ties to slavery.
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