| Algonquin speaking people include the Cree, the | | | | couple is very serious. |
| Ojibwa or Chippewa, the Ottawa, the Montagnais, | | | | Each person makes a declaration that they choose to |
| the Naskapi and others. | | | | be known as husband and wife. Then they smoke |
| When a young man chooses a mate in the old way, | | | | from the pipe. Tobacco is offered and accepted by |
| he went with her family (matriarch society). The | | | | the official. At the ceremony, the sponsors make a |
| custom was usually determined by the growing | | | | commitment to help the couple. |
| season. In warmer climates, where women would | | | | Algonquin Wedding Attire |
| raise crops to support the families, they were | | | | Brides, grooms and sponsors dress in regalia - |
| considered the providers. In cooler climates where | | | | traditional clothing, usually made by hand. The bride |
| families subsisted on hunting performed by the men, | | | | will wash herself in a body of water (lake, river, |
| the communities were considered patriarchal. | | | | ocean, pond) the morning of her union in order to be |
| Algonquin Marriage Requirements | | | | blessed by the spirit of the Earth. |
| The couple may be required to perform certain | | | | Algonquin Wedding Festivities |
| responsibilities in preparation for their wedding. These | | | | A wedding is a time of celebration. Everyone is |
| responsibilities are determined by the officiant. In | | | | invited by word of mouth unless they live outside the |
| addition, the bride and groom must choose sponsors. | | | | community. There is no formal invitation. There is |
| The bridal couple has four sponsors. Sponsors are | | | | feasting, visiting and a giveaway. |
| older, well respected persons chosen by the bride | | | | Food items for the feast include fry bread, venison |
| and groom. The sponsors are to give spiritual and | | | | (deer meat), squash, beans, corn, corn soup, potato |
| marital guidance to the couple throughout their | | | | soup and many desserts. Fresh fruits such as |
| lifetime. At the ceremony, the sponsors make a | | | | blueberries, raspberries, and the 'heart' berry, |
| commitment to help the couple. | | | | strawberries, are served if available. There may also |
| Algonquin Marriage Ceremony | | | | be a wedding cake. In a traditional wedding, the food |
| Ceremonies are preferably outside, or in a ceremonial | | | | is placed on a blanket, served buffet style. |
| lodge or under an arbor. Their commitment is to the | | | | The food is blessed. The Elders and the official will |
| Creator, to God. There is no breaking that | | | | eat first, then the bride, groom, sponsors and other |
| commitment, and no divorce. | | | | guests. None of the food is wasted. All of the food is |
| The Pipe Carrier, the official, makes sure they are | | | | either eaten or given away to the Elders. |
| well aware of this commitment. If the couple | | | | Algonquin Giveaway |
| separates and goes their separate ways, in the eyes | | | | In preparation for the Giveaway, the future bride and |
| of the Creator, they are still husband and wife. The | | | | groom make (or buy) hundreds of gifts. A gift will be |
| Pipe Carrier will not perform the ceremony unless the | | | | given to each person attending the celebration. |