George Boyle
A black wedding, or a plague wedding, is a Jewish custom that consists of a wedding performed in times of crisis, such as during an epidemic. The tradition is believed to have originated in the small towns of Eastern Europe, where Jewish communities would wed a couple, usually poor orphans, beggars, or disabled, in a cemetery, in an effort to ward off diseases. The couple would be selected by the community, who would also finance the wedding and pledge to support the couple. The black wedding is also a part of Black American wedding traditions, where the couple jumps over a broom to symbolize their love and commitment to their marriage.
Characteristics and Values of a Black Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Wedding | Jewish custom, Eastern European superstition, Black American tradition |
| Purpose | To ward off diseases during times of crisis, such as epidemics |
| Participants | Poor orphans, beggars, disabled, homeless, or those with physical and mental scars of war |
| Location | Cemetery |
| Financing | Financed by the community, including food, transportation, wedding gown, and furnishings |
| Beliefs | Hasidic belief in frequent interaction between the earthly and supernatural realms, particularly surrounding weddings; belief that brides are susceptible to both favorable divine intervention and harmful demonic possession |
| Traditions | Jumping over a broom, knocking on the door of the prospective partner's home, tasting the four elements, money dance, traditional music, money spray |
| Rings | Black wedding rings may symbolize personal style, asexuality, non-monogamy, or military service |
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What You'll Learn
Jewish 'plague weddings'
A black wedding, also known as a shvartse khasene in Yiddish or a plague wedding (mageyfe khasene in Yiddish), is a Jewish custom that consists of a wedding performed in times of crisis, particularly during epidemics. This ancient ritual, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe during the Black Death.
The black wedding is a unique type of wedding ceremony that takes place in a graveyard, under a black canopy, instead of the traditional white one. The bride and groom are typically individuals who are vulnerable, such as poor orphans, beggars, or those who are physically disabled. The community selects the couple and finances the wedding, pledging to support them. The belief is that by performing this form of charity, the souls of the deceased will intercede to block the evil decree and bring an end to the epidemic.
The black wedding ceremony is seen as a way to harness the power and influence of the deceased to combat the epidemic. While the tradition has evolved, its historical significance and symbolic power remain, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in challenging times.
There is evidence of black weddings being performed in Jewish communities worldwide. One notable example is the black wedding held on the Mount of Olives in 1909 during a cholera outbreak in Palestine. Another black wedding took place in New York in 1918 during the Spanish Flu pandemic. More recently, in March 2020, a black wedding was performed in the ultra-orthodox city of Bnei Brak, Israel, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Jumping the broom
The tradition of jumping the broom has been traced to indigenous wedding rituals in Europe, specifically in the British Isles, and was brought over by Europeans migrating to the United States. It was then adopted by enslaved people in the American South, who saw it as a way to recognize their unions. The earliest documented examples of people of African descent jumping over a broom in the US are from the 1800s. The practice was popularized in the 1970s by the novel and miniseries Roots.
There are several theories about the origin of the ritual. Some argue that it originated in West Africa, where brooms were used to ward off evil spirits. In this version of the ritual, a broom is waved over the couple's heads, and then the couple jumps over the broom, with the highest jumper designated as the head of the household. Another theory suggests that the custom may have originated in Britain, with some claiming that it was forced on enslaved Africans by their European owners. However, historian Tyler D. Parry, in his book Jumping the Broom: The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual, argues that there were cultural exchanges between African Americans and British Americans during the 18th and 19th centuries, and that the similarities in their matrimonial forms are not coincidental.
Today, jumping the broom is a cherished ritual among many Black couples around the world, symbolizing the joining of two lives and serving as a gesture of solidarity with their ancestors. The broom can be placed on the ground for the couple to jump over after exchanging vows, accompanied by a prayer, poem, or a brief explanation of the tradition's meaning.
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Money spray
The money dance, also known as the dollar dance, money spray, or apron dance, is a wedding tradition with roots in several cultural traditions. While there is no definitive source for the origin of this custom, it is popular in Poland, Greece, Nigeria, the Philippines, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Portugal, Cuba, Latin America, Mexico, Eastern Europe, and the United States.
In Nigeria, the money dance is called the money spray and is an integral part of the Yoruba people's culture. It symbolizes a showering of happiness, good fortune, and the guests' affection for the couple. The money dance is typically performed during the wedding reception when the couple takes to the dance floor. Guests approach the newlyweds and toss money into the air, creating a shower of currency that rains down on the couple. In some cases, guests might stick money onto the couple's clothing or place it in their hands. This act of "spraying" money is a way to show support and wish the couple prosperity and a life filled with abundance and happiness.
The money spray tradition in Nigeria has evolved over the years, starting as a modest act of throwing small denominations and transforming into a grand display of affluence and goodwill. Guests often compete to outdo each other in their generosity, and the introduction of new currencies has further enhanced the spectacle.
For those planning to attend a wedding with a money dance tradition, it is important to be prepared. Guests are expected to bring cash, preferably in smaller denominations like dollar bills, to participate in the money spray. It is recommended to separate your gift from the money you intend to spray, and it is not obligatory to participate.
The money dance is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the couple's new life together and a unique opportunity for guests to show their love and support.
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Black wedding rings
A black wedding is a Jewish custom consisting of a wedding performed in times of crisis, such as during epidemics. The black wedding tradition is believed to have originated in the small towns of Eastern Europe, where it was believed that marrying in a cemetery would protect the local Jewish community from tragedy.
Black zirconium, a lustrous and highly durable metal, is a popular choice for its sleek look and impressive 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it resistant to scratches. For those seeking a ring with a rich history, Damascus steel is an intriguing alternative. This metal was once used to forge razor-sharp swords and is recognisable by its wavy light and dark patterns.
Black tantalum is another rare earth metal that is growing in popularity for wedding rings. It offers a sturdy yet polished sheen and is heavier than tungsten, appealing to both men and women. Diamonds and black diamonds beautifully complement black wedding rings, adding scintillating fire and a unique touch.
Black rhodium diamond rings are also a bold and dramatic choice, with their dark and mysterious appearance. These rings are plated with black rhodium, a variation of the valuable and rare metal rhodium, to create a daring and distinctive look.
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Black weddings in popular culture
Black weddings are a celebration of rich culture and heritage. They often incorporate rituals borrowed from their ancestral past or cultural heritage, such as a libation ceremony, jumping the broom, and a money dance.
Black wedding traditions vary, with some being just for fun and others holding deep historical significance. For instance, the tasting of the four elements—sour, bitter, spicy, and sweet—is a ritual that originated with the Yoruba people of West Africa. It is a fun way to remind the couple that their marriage will go through various stages.
Another ritual with historical significance is jumping the broom, which dates back to when marriage was forbidden by law in the Black community. During the era of slavery, African Americans were forbidden to marry and often couldn't live together, so jumping over a broom at the end of a wedding ceremony was one of the only ways to publicly declare their union.
Black weddings also often include a money dance, where guests throw money at the newlyweds or pin cash onto their clothes. This symbolizes a showering of happiness, good fortune, and a display of the guests' affection for the couple.
In addition to these rituals, Black couples may also incorporate their religion or spirituality into their wedding ceremonies. Communion, for example, is a ritual laden with spiritual meaning where bread and wine are consecrated and shared, representing the body and blood of Christ.
Another example is the 2018 romantic comedy "Nappily Ever After," starring Sanaa Lathan and directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour. The film includes a Black wedding scene that celebrates the couple's heritage and culture, incorporating traditional music and dance.
In music, the music video for "Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige, released in 2001, features a Black wedding scene with a vibrant celebration filled with dancing and joyful expressions of culture and community.
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