Cave Painting Australian Aboriginal Art

Culture and Tradition in Marriage – the wonderful options of ceremony

Culture and Tradition in Marriage – the wonderful options of ceremony

Race is something to be celebrated and luxuriated in. One of the loveliest things about living in Australia is the rich blend of so many different cultures, all of which can enhance our society. There’s the potential for maintaining a very traditional cultural approach, which is resistant to blend because of its maintaining the traditions; there’s the potential for mingling to come up with something which is a bit like a many-culture stew; there’s any range between those two.

The option of racial and cultural elements

The Marriage Celebrant can check with both bride and groom about what their cultural background is – demonstrating appreciating of the many different beauties people can display. Bridal couples have some wonderful options about incorporating elements from their racial traditions into the ceremony – if they want.

The only “must have” elements in a civil marriage ceremony are the minimum legal words spoken by them and spoken by the Marriage Celebrant, and the signing of the register witnessed by the Celebrant and two witnesses over 18. The bride and groom are free to use western traditions, eastern traditions, traditions from Africa, Aboriginal traditions, Polynesian traditions, whatever they wish.

European and non-European aspects

European traditions are a rich treasure source for weddings, and so are non-European traditions. The couple have full control over the decision-making, bar the legal requirements. The Marriage Celebrant should be happy to research any theme or culture the couple want to use in their wedding ceremony, and present that information to them so that they can approve or edit any theme and custom for their wedding.

Examples of cultural elements

A wonderful tradition in some Eastern weddings is the formal expression of gratitude and respect to the bride’s and groom’s parents. This can be included into any sort of wedding ceremony.

Some Australian Aboriginal cultures in the past had a tradition of the bride being chosen from a line of women by the female elders of the tribe. A modern-day equivalent might be that the bride is escorted in a group of her female attendants by two older women who have an important part in her life – perhaps her mother and the mother of the groom, perhaps also a female mentor, perhaps other female relatives.

The Vietnamese culture offers a beautiful opportunity to physically express the wish for the couple to have longevity and good fortune, by the offering of gifts which traditionally signify those things.

These are only some of the many ceremony ideas that come from various different cultures, and are by no means mutually exclusive.

It’s the Marriage Celebrant’s to ensure that the couple’s vision is met – and surpassed… made even better than they’d hoped.

About the Author

Ingrid Heyn is a Registered Marriage Celebrant duly authorised by the Attorney-General’s Department to solemnise marriages according to law in Australia.

Her experience in conducting ceremonies and public occasions, as well as her voice training, makes her an expert in organising and carrying out weddings of distinction, perfectly and uniquely tailored for each couple.

Her knowledge of nine languages allows her to offer superb linguistic choices for weddings.

Ingrid Heyn is often approached by other celebrants who require her expert knowledge of the marriage process, the high standards demanded by the Code of Practice for celebrants, and specific details pertaining to the Marriage Act. She is in demand as a marriage celebrant and funeral celebrant throughout Australia.

Her website can be found here: http://www.celebrantaustralia.com.au

Aboriginal Culture in British Columbia

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