Round Dance & Star Quilt // Natasha and Sean incorporated a few family tradition into their wedding. I asked their family to share more about these traditions as they were first for me. 

October 18, 2018

Paikka

Star Quilt // From Natasha's father (written to Natasha) - "For many Native Americans, the star is a sacred symbol, equated with honor. The belief is a respected and longstanding tradition, inherited from our ancestors. Many tribes believe the spiritual belief in the stars, they represented the direction from which spirits travel to Earth, symbolizing immortality. Star quilts are herald a new beginning, a new day dawning. Standing between darkness (ignorance) and light (knowledge), the morning star leads to understanding hence the star in the star quilt. 

Star Quilts are one of the most valued gifts of the Northern Plains Indians. They are seen as banners in schools for graduation and school functions, used as altar cloths in churches, placed on top of sweat lodges and used in powwows. They may be given to honor a special friend or family member, to a newly married couple, or to parents in celebration of a child’s birth. They are given in sympathy to a family, honoring a loved one who has died. They are even given to those whom they have never met, out of respect and admiration.

Star Quilts are still wrapped around the shoulders of the recipient as a symbolic way to honor and protect that person or persons on their journey through life. Hence your marriage Natasha to Sean."

Round Dance // "The Round dance symbolizes friendship and unity. It is used to strengthen family and community. It is in a circle to symbolize the universe and the sacredness to the Mother Earth. The beat is the rhythm of the heartbeat of our people. It is also to symbolize we all have a responsibility to each other, and for your marriage we all have a responsibility to you as a new married couple."