Hawaiian sunsets set the backdrop for a spectacular wedding.
Every culture has its fair share of traditions and superstitions contributing to weddings and how they need to be orchestrated. Hawaiian culture is rich in traditions, with many interesting ones associated with weddings. Over the years, many of these traditions have been modified to suit the changes in society, but there are a few that are considered a must if the wedding and those taking part wish to have a true Hawaiian ceremony and reception.
Wedding Attire
Traditionally both the bride and groom wear white loose-fitting clothing for the ceremony. The bride is dressed in a long dress similar in style to a toga and the groom wears white pants and loose white shirt with a red sash at his waist. Leis are also worn by the bride and groom, with the grooms being green in color. The leis are made from 40 to 50 flowers, strung on a ribbon. Leis are a symbol of love and are given as part of the ceremony to the bridal party and family members. The lei should always be kept, as throwing it away is bad luck -- to throw away a lei is to throw away love.
The Reception
After the ceremony a reception feast, called a luau, is held where food is plentiful. The main course is a roast pig that is cooked all day in a pit dug in the ground. Several other dishes accompany the roast including fresh fruit, rice and local seafood. The reception is completed by the addition of Hawaiian music played on drums, slack key guitar and ukulele.
The Rings
Koa wood and ti leaf are used to bless the rings during the ceremony; these two things hold great significance in traditional Hawaiian weddings. A bowl, made out of koa wood, symbolizes strength and dignity and the ti leaf stands for prosperity and the cleansing of the body and soul. The bowl is filled with water and the leaf is dipped into the bowl and used to drip water onto the rings, blessing them. The water dripped over the rings signifies washing away any difficulty the couple may have been dealing with in their past and to make way for a new beginning for the couple.
Other Customs and Beliefs
The Hawaiian people have many traditions and superstitions regarding weddings, touching on almost every aspect possible. For example, the bride should never wear pearls, as they resemble tears leading to a marriage full of sadness. It is also strongly believed that the couple should not be wished good luck on the day of the wedding as it is thought to bring just the opposite. Another tradition is to have 1,001 origami cranes made and displayed at the ceremony for good luck. The paper used is usually metallic and after the wedding they are kept and displayed in the couple's home to bring luck, longevity and prosperity into their lives.
Tags: bride groom, ceremony reception, good luck, have been, throw away