A priest escorts the groom to one end of the open space in the council house. Another priest escorts the bride to the opposite end. The couple meet in the centre of the council house, near the sacred fire. The priest stands facing to the east --- toward the door of the council house.

The groom's mother stands beside the groom. She holds his gifts of venison and a blanket (sometimes corn bean bread was also offered). The brides brother stands beside the mother. The brother, by his presence, accepts his role in being responsible for his sister and her children.

The bride and groom wear blue blankets representing their old life and ways.

The officiating priest says a prayer blessing the sacred fire and the union of the two. As he prays he asks for a long and happy life for the couple.

The bride gives the groom a red and black belt that she has made herself, and he puts it on. The mothers give the gifts to their children who exchange gifts with each other. They join together their blankets symbolizing their mutual support within the marriage.

They each drink a corn drink from a double-sided wedding vase. They drink from east to west, then from north to south giving their blessing to all the earth. The vase is thrown down and broken to seal their wedding vows as now being united as one. The broken fragments are returned to mother earth.

A winter blanket is placed around their shoulders symbolizing their union. A wedding feast is held by the entire town. The couple walk silently and alone to their dwelling place among the clan of the bride's mother.
 
 
(taken from a variety of historical references)
 
Cherokee Publications
PO Box 430
Cherokee NC
28719

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First Opened: November 13, 2000
Revised: June 2004