The Freedom of Matrimony

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AllbOJm9qSvWXhmCmD51XyiieeD79gfh/view?usp=sharing 

Anna Cowsar, Sophia Hauswirth, Alexis Palmer

Dr. Harris

ENGL 2016

November 22, 2023

                                           The Freedom of Matrimony

On today’s podcast from Black Lit Talk , Sophia, Anna, and Alexis discuss how African culture has influenced many African American traditions; specifically wedding ceremonies. Why is marriage so important to both African and African American culture? Marriage is a badge of honor held throughout both cultures and represents a fresh start into a new life. Because of this, in pre-colonial African culture, the unmarried were given no rights to a funeral and could not take certain titles. Later, during enslavement, African Americans were denied the right to a proper burial, owning land, as well as marriage. Marriage was a treasure left on the gold coast. The American marriage experience was no longer about love, family, and protection, but rather about procreation and satisfying the enslavers. Procreation meant more children to be raised up to work for the enslavers to continue the cycle exploitation. The experience of social death and natal alienation from one’s culture makes it almost impossible to grasp and hold onto traditions. Generations experiencing further separation will suffer a continual disconnection between heritage and identity.

 Because of the transatlantic slave trade, marriage traditions evolved and adapted to not only cultural influences but also environmental influences. Although new traditions unfolded, rich African influences still penetrate African American wedding ceremonies today. Ceremonial traditions such as Knocking on the Door, the Taste of the Four Elements, the Libation Ceremony, and the Jumping of the Broom can all be traced back to Africa as well as traditions enslaved people cultivated. In addition to this, food has always been a strong avenue that binds culture, experiences, and values. From fondant overlayed wedding cakes to southern soul food, food can symbolize what is found of worth in culture or even experiences of destitution.

Despite the historical events that have impacted the lives of many African Americans today, amongst the abuse and inhumanness, there has been a retention of traditions, values, and attitudes that have indubitably shaped the lives of past generations and will even influence generations to come.

 

Individual Research Contributions:

Anna Cowsar: Food, Decorations, and Writing

Sophia Hauswirth: History, Organization, and Writing

Alexis: Ceremonial Traditions, Clothing, and Editing