Drinking Takes Teamwork
September is here, along with a new culture full of wonderful traditions. This month we'll focus on the traditions of Native American tribes. Many tribes were matrilineal, meaning hereditary succession is passed through the line of the mother. As there were strict rules about marrying outside one's tribal clan, many tribes became greatly mixed in their customs and traditions. For the next five weeks we will share with you many lovely customs. We will do our best to note, where possible, the regions where there these customs were most common, but it is quite likely similar, if not the same, customs were practiced by other tribes across the Americas.
This week we take a look at the wedding vase, a custom commonly found among southwestern tribes. A few weeks prior to the wedding, the groom's parents would create the wedding vase, often out of red clay. When the families gathered, it would often be filled with a special nectar made by the medicine man, though more modern couples often opt for water or herbal tea. As the bride held the position of prominence, due to the matrilineal traditions, the groom would first offer the vase to his bride. She would drink from one side of the vase, then turn the vase clockwise and offer it to the groom to drink from the same side. After he drank, he would again offer the vase to the bride to drink from the other side. She would again drink, turn the vase clockwise, and offer to her groom. After both had sipped from both sides of the vase, the couple would drink from the vase together. As you can see, this was easier said than done. It was said, however, that if the couple could drink from the vase without spilling a drop, it proved they could work together and would be a strong couple.
The beautiful wedding vases featured below come from Kachina House, which offers a broad variety of vases from many different tribes. Please visit their sit to learn more and see the other beautiful vases and art they offer! You may also find them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!
