A wooden bench is placed in the middle of the Longhouse floor for the couple and their mother's to sit. The mother's sit beside their children who are about to be married. The couple carry wedding baskets which they will exchange with one another. In the bride's basket there is material or articles of clothing which symbolizes her commitment to her husband and any future children that they may have that she will mend and keep clean for her family. In the groom's basket is the wedding cake made of white corn (corn bread) and strawberries. The basket and it's contents is given to his wife which symbolizes his commitment to provide food for his wife and any future children that they may have. The Council of Chiefs will select one of their members to speak on their behalf and to conduct the marriage. The person chosen to perform the wedding will begin by doing the Thanksgiving Address holding the nations wampum. This prayer officially opens the marriage ceremony. The Thanksgiving Address begins first by acknowledging all the family and friend gathered to witness the marriage by greeting and thanking them. The selected speaker begins the speech of marriage before the couple and their mother's. The speaker explains the duties for a healthy stable marriage. The speaker first addresses the bride's mother asking these questions: What is your daughter's name? What clan does your daughter belong to? Do you think that your daughter is capable to fulfill the responsibility of marriage? Are you satisfied with your daughter's choice? If some hard times come, and your daughter and her husband become homeless, would you open your home to them and any children until they are able to get back on their feet? The speaker repeats the same questions to the groom's mother. If the mothers answers are positive and are in agreement the marriage can proceed. The speaker now addresses the couple and begins with the bride. And asks these questions: Are you prepared to be the wife of the man that you have chosen for the rest of your life? Will you prepare food for your husband and children? Will you care for your husband if he becomes ill? When it is dinner time and your children are out playing with other children, you are to call ALL the children in to eat and if they have soiled faces you will wash their faces as if they all were your children. Do you accept this responsibility? As a wife and mother it's your responsibility to prepare and bring your children to all ceremonies. Also marriage is a partnership and no one has the authority over the other, you don't dominate your husband nor does he dominate you. The speaker turns to the groom and asks him the same questions. The couple stand and they exchange their baskets as a symbol of their commitment and acceptance of the marriage. The bride will tell her husband that she will do all that has been said. The groom will tell his bride the same. After the speaker gives the wampum to the bride and then to the groom to pledge to the Creator that they accept the responsibilities of marriage. The couple are now married. The Chiefs and the mothers stand before the couple with the wampum and pass the wampum to each individual as each speaks words of encouragement or advice for the married couple. All of the Chiefs, Clan Mothers, Faithkeepers, Elders and the general public in attendance shake hands with the wedding party. They may encourage or give advice to the couple as they shake hands. The bride's family takes the wedding cake and cut it into small pieces for the bride and groom to give to each person in attendance. The Great Feather Dance is done to honor the Creator, which begins with the Groom leading the men and the bride leading the women. The Great Feather Dance sanctions the marriage. The entire marriage ceremony takes about two hours sometimes longer. After the wedding a big feast takes place. This is when the gifts are opened and viewed. Thanks is given to the people for the gifts. During the actual ceremony absolutely no photos are allowed to be taken. At the end of the marriage ritual announcements are made when photos can be taken. In the evening there is a social wedding dance, which the newly married couple leads each dance. At all traditional marriages there is absolutely no drugs or alcohol permitted.
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