Observation or Ethnographic Study, Essay Example

The observation was carried out in wedding ceremony in some rural area. The main aim was to observe the behavior patterns of the people in such a ceremony. The choice of this event was because the setting would different from the other wedding ceremonies especially those carried out in cities and urban places. Moreover, the wedding involved people with different culture from mine. The wedding was that of the Cherokee clan of the Native-Americans.

The Cherokee wedding ritual is an exceptionally delightful occasion, whether it is the customary or ancient function, or a current variation. The original function varies from family to tribe and group to group, however utilizes the same custom components. This was made known to me when I investigated some people in my time of observation before the wedding commenced. It was interesting to know that the Cherokee people still observe their ancient cultures and are very proud of it. Moreover, the procedure for the wedding takes not less than seven days. In these seven days, rituals for blessing the ceremony are carried out.

After the holy setting for the function has been honored for seven successive days, the time for the ceremony becomes ripe and the function commences. The bride and lucky man approach the holy fire, and are blessed by the priestess and/or priests. All the people in the wedding, including the visitors, are likewise blessed. Melodies are sung in Cherokee, and those leading the service bless the couple. Both the bride and bridegroom are wrapped in blue sheets. At a specified minute in the service, the priests or priestess takes away each one blue covers, and wraps the couple together with one white cover, showing the start of their new life as husband and wife. This indicates that they have become one and are supposed to live together to the end.

As opposed to exchanging rings, the bride and the groom exchange foodstuffs. The wedding couple met at the center of the townhouse and the man brought ham of venison, and other flesh, to demonstrate his expectation to accommodate the family unit. The wife gave corn, or bean meal to symbolize her ability to watch over and give sustenance to her family.

The pair drank from a Cherokee Wedding pot. The container held one beverage, yet had two holes for the pair to drink from at the same period. After the service, the town, clans, or community gave a wedding dining experience. Besides, the dancing and rejoicing frequently were carried out as the night progressed and into the following morning.

The whole experience was very interesting. Observing the wedding ceremony of the Cherokee people was so touching. This is because I learned many things that I never knew in the past. Moreover, their foods were also different from the ones we are used to and finger licking. The cultural practices such as their rituals, dances, and songs were very moving. Couples danced together to the rhythms in front of bonfire chanting some words. The musical instruments were mainly drums that varied in sizes and texture. Moreover, there were other musical instruments such as flutes, jingles, and string instruments. People of difference ages were allowed to dance and since in intervals. In the morning, the wedded couples were allowed to get to their new home accompanied by friends and relatives.