Using rituals from other cultures within a ceremony.

This is the first of four posts in which I look at how we can incorporate rituals from other cultures into a Celebrant led ceremony.

​The first ritual I have included is taken from the Yoruba culture. The Yoruba are one of the largest African ethnic groups south of the Sahara Desert.  They have a wealth of folklore aimed at guiding people on life's journey.

This ritual is called the "Four elements"

The four elements are those of taste  - sour, bitter,hot and sweet.  Traditionally the couple taste vinegar, lemon, cayenne pepper and honey however these can be substituted for foodstuff with similar tastes.

Each taste represents an aspect of a couple's relationship.

sour - acknowledges that there will be disappointments as well as successes in life.  After tasting the couple agree to offer their full support and love to each other

bitter - every life experiences denial and rejections.  After tasting the couple promise to offer each other guidance and wisdom.

hot - for the spice and passion in an enduring relationship

sweet - for the abundance of life in all the stages of life together.

Next time :  The Four directions ritual