In recognition of African culture, during the wedding ceremony the officiant may administer the twelve symbols of life, each representing the love and strength that brings two families together:

Wine - The mixing of the blood of the two families

Wheat - Fertility, and the giving of life and land

Pepper - Heated times the families will have

Salt - Healing and preservation of marriage

Bitter Herbs - Growing pains of married life

Water - Purity, dissolution of bitterness

Spoon, Pot - Healthy food that builds strong families

Broom - Cleanliness of health and well-being

Honey - Sweet love between a black man and woman

Spear - Protection of the sanctity of home and community

Shield - Honor and pride of the home

Bible or Koran - Symbol of God’s truth and power