WEDDING VASES

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel still used in traditional Native American wedding ceremonies. One spout of the vessel represents the husband; the other, the wife. The looped handle represents the unity achieved with marriage. The space created within the loop represents the couples’ own circle of life.

The wedding vase is a treasured and sacred tradition among many Native American Indian tribes, particularly the Navajo and Pueblo peoples. These vases are not only symbolic in the ceremony performed just prior to the wedding itself, but also in the shape and construction of the vessel.

About a week or two before a couple is officially married, the groom’s parents build the wedding vase from clay found in a local river bed and ceremonially cleaned and filtered. Once the vessel has been properly fired, both families assemble. The parents give the young couple advice, and the wedding vase is filled with a special liquid. Traditionally it would be a nectar made by the medicine man, though many modern couples may choose to drink water or an herbal infused tea from the vase to represent the blending of their lives.

First the groom offers his bride the vessel and she drinks from one spout. She then turns the wedding vase clockwise, and the groom then drinks from this same side. Each will then drink from the opposite side of the wedding vase, and then finally in the culmination of the ceremony, they will both drink from the wedding vase together. It is said that if they manage this feat without spilling a drop they will always have a strong, cooperative relationship. The vase then becomes a cherished piece in their household and great care is taken to make sure it is never damaged.

The vessel itself is quite beautiful, and its design is an integral part of its meaning. The two spouts represent the couple; one the bride, the other the groom. The rounded base and shared reservoir of the vase represent the couple’s now-shared lives. The looped handle also represents this unity in a more visible and apparent way, much like a wedding band is a visible reminder of the deeper, spiritual connection shared by a husband and wife. The handle creates a circle in the center of the vase that represents the circle of life.

Kachina House is proud to offer these beautiful and symbolic vessels in several styles, both handbuilt and handpainted and etched by talented Native American Indian artists from the Southwestern United States. We carry an exceptional selection of handbuilt and ceramic beautifully unique wedding vases by potters from many different tribes, including Acoma, Hopi, Jemez, Navajo, Santa Clara and Zuni. 

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, give us a call or send us an email; we’ll do our best to meet your needs. If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact us toll free at 866-587-0547; we’re only a click or call away and we look forward to hearing from you.