Title: 
Honoring Now & Then, Traditional Native American Wedding Vows

Word Count:
414

Summary:
Native Americans enjoy a strong and rich cultural heritage that still permeates many parts of their everyday lives, and particularly of those special moments


Keywords:
weddings


Article Body:
Native Americans enjoy a strong and rich cultural heritage that still permeates many parts of their everyday lives, and particularly of those special moments.  Many young Native Americans want a ceremony that not only keeps with modern traditions and celebrations, but that also includes a connection to their heritage, to make their wedding a cultural event that honors both the present celebration and the past.

There are many online resources to find some traditional, or “modern traditional” blessings and vows that are individual to a tribe.  Soon to be newlyweds who are Native American could talk to a local tribal council, or other resources to find something suitable.  There are websites with long lists of ceremonies that do not seem to be solely for one group.  Two of the most beautiful Native blessings are the Apache and the Cherokee, and example of each which follows:

Apache Blessing

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”

Cherokee Blessing

God in heaven above please protect the ones we love. 
We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. 
We honor mother-earth - and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons; 
We honor fire - and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts; 
We honor wind - and ask we sail though life safe and calm as in our father's arms; 
We honor water - to clean and soothe our relationship - that it may never thirsts for love; 
With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow young together. 
Amen.

These are only two of many examples of what is available, and this is not just limited to Native Americans.  There are Medieval ceremonies, old Celtic or Celtic Christian ceremonies.  As more and more people become interested in their backgrounds, the demand for these traditional vows increase, and add a beauty, elegance, and tradition to the ceremony that all can admire.