Why?

I never wondered about the ring is worn on the 4th finger, but when I saw this video it made sense. Try it just try and you will see it works. Now if it really worked for marriages that's another story.



Kind of makes you go hmmmmmm.

Be Charming

Adinkra Symbol Charms

As Adinkra Symbols grow in popularity as accents for cultural weddings, designers and companies are becoming more creative. Adinkra is most commonly associated with Akan people of Ghana. Symbols are painted on cloth, pottery, logos, and are seen all over. 
They represent concepts or aphorisms. Todays couples are finding the right combination of symbols that best represent them and their lifestyle.

This can serve you well as bridesmaids gifts. Give each attendant a symbol that best represents your friendship or give them a combination of symbols.

The Adinkra charms (above) from Soul of Somanya are available in a variety of sizes and metals from sterling silver, copper, gold filled, and gold. The prices make gift giving a charm (I couldn't resist)



Soul of Somanya is a small company is a staffed only with volunteers. While the marketing is done here in the US (Mobile, Alabama). The real work is done in Somanya-Krobo in Ghana, West Africa. This is where they are working to develope sustainable employment and opportunities. Your gift can mean so much more.

Soul Of Somanya

Come On Baby Light My Fire

Photo from Sparks

Large South African weddings are followed by a festive feast known as Karamu.
The bride's family lights a fire in the hearth of the new couple, using fire from their own hearth.
To capture the essence of this custom, a large candle remains unlit during the ceremony, flanked by two lit smaller candles. The bride and groom each take one small candle and light the large candle, symbolizing their union. A nice way to add to this is to have each of the small candles lit by the parents of the bride and groom prior to the wedding.
This can make a beautiful statement but I have another idea. Plan an event after the Honeymoon. Begin preparing food that is cooked in the oven of your parents home or your new home. Then transport it to the in-laws to finish cooking. Everyone can bring pictures, food, and share stories over pot luck that has been prepared in the warmth and love of both parents home. One dish can mean so much.

Matchmaker Kind Of

1 + 1 = LOVE
+ 1 of yours
+ 1 of mines
=
more wives!

Pygmy man to marry his beloved one has to find among his relatives a girl willing to marry a brother or male cousin of his future wife. If he does so and have enough food to give he may have even more wives.

source: 26 Most Bizarre Wedding Customs

Luck Of The Irish

If you remember 8-8-08 was the luckiest day for the Chinese (Estimated 9000 Marry In China). Well 9-9-09 may be no different. In Mandarin the word nine sounds like "long lasting". Now for the Irish twist, I did not know that it is lucky for the Irish to marry on a Wednesday in November. Yes, I know this is going long for that quarter back pass, but there is a couple that is making it work for them read more about Justin and Barbara's wedding date. Hurry up and get down to city hall.
PS want to give a fun favor for a morning wedding/reception, try these small boxes of cereal. Amazon has them for 72 for $39.17.

Amazon.com

What Are Adinkra Symbols?

Patricia C. O'Niell Hand Crafted glass with soul

"African symbols known as adinkra are ubiquitous in Ghana, a beautiful West African country on the Atlantic, situated between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo. On cloth and walls, in pottery and logos, these Asante tribe symbols can be found everywhere" source Adinkra.org

Using any one of the numerous Adinkra symbols in your wedding is now becoming a creative opportunity for couples to express themselves spiritually. These symbols tell a story and give meaning to their goals and the path they intend to walk together. Many businesses are including Adinkra symbols as a choice through design. Below some ideas you can use.

Jolly Be Bakery


Adinkra Wine Tags by Cynirje.com



Adinkra Soaps from Serah's Online Put this in the restrooms for using and also have some in clear bags for guests to take home.

Table Numbers by Documents and Designs

Duck!

Photo from Use My Sky

In the Korean custom ducks form a part of the ceremony. It is believed that ducks mate for life, which makes it easy to give out a cute inexpensive favor, rubber duckies! This is is an adorable gift, will make everyone smile, and keep the money in your pockets. As always include an explanation of the custom.

Winged Soap Duck only $2.00
Soap Shapes

Bride and Groom Rubber Duckies
$5.99 per Dozen Oriental Trading

Paint your own or place the guest table # and name on the each duck
$5.99 for 1 dozen
Oriental Trading