South African weddings are followed by a large feast known as the Karamu.
The bride's family lights a fire in the hearth of the new couple, using fire from their own hearth.
The traditional South African wedding involves a unity candle ceremony. A large candle remains unlit during the ceremony, flanked by two lit smaller candles. The bride and groom each take one small candle and light the large candle, symbolizing their union. A nice way to add to this is to have each of the small candles lit by the parents of the bride and groom prior to the wedding.
The Twelve Symbols of Life are administered during the ceremony. Each of these is very symbolic to the family:
Bible or Koran
Bitter Herbs
Broom
Honey
Pepper
Pot & Spoon
Salt
Shield
Spear
Water
Wheat
Wine
