Ceremonial Symbols:
12 Symbols of
Life
In recognition of
African culture, during the wedding ceremony the officiant may
administer the twelve symbols of life, each representing the love and
strength that brings two families together:
Wine - The
mixing of the blood of the two families
Wheat -
Fertility, and the giving of life and land
Pepper -
Heated times the families will have
Salt -
Healing and preservation of marriage
Bitter Herbs
- Growing pains of married life
Water -
Purity, dissolution of bitterness
Spoon, Pot
- Healthy food that builds strong families
Broom -
Cleanliness of health and well-being
Honey -
Sweet love between a black man and woman
Spear -
Protection of the sanctity of home and community
Shield -
Honor and pride of the home
