If youd like to add a slice of your African heritage to your wedding ceremony, youre not alone. Millions of couples are embracing their roots and choosing to incorporate some of the more unique wedding traditions of their ancestors. Here are some of the most interesting customs that African-American couples have added to their wedding ceremonies over the years.

Since many African wedding customs were forbidden to slaves, new traditions were formed in the African-American community. The broom had spiritual significance in African-American culture at this time as a device used to sweep the old life away, and often the bride would sweep the courtyard with the family of the groom to symbolize her willingness to help them. Therefore, in traditional ceremonies, a broom is placed on the ground after the vows and pronouncement, and the bride and groom will jump over it and into their new life.

Many African-American traditions for weddings emphasize the blending of families, like the sweeping of the courtyard. Another popular one is for the families of the bride and groom to stand in two lines on opposite sides of the reception area, and switch places with the person from the other family standing opposite them. Sometimes a grass cord is used to bind the wrists of the bride and groom.

Cowrie shells were used in Africa as money, and are now decorated and used as trim on the brides gown or as church decorations to bring good luck and fortune. In addition, gifts are presented to the brides family as well as to the newlyweds. The groom will verbally seek approval for the marriage from the brides mother, and a special spiritual ceremony may be held a month before the actual wedding service to ask for blessings from ancestral spirits on the union.