Most Native Americans believe that in the universe there exists the Great Spirit - a spiritual force that is the source of all life. The sun is viewed as a manifestation of the power of the Great Spirit. Some Native American wedding ceremonies are informal, while others are quite formal. When they were not small and informal, they were solemnized with feasts and merrymaking. Evening is the traditional time for the ceremony to occur.
Water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing.
The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves. Back to the Top Music Expression Singing is the dominant form of musical expression, with instrumental music serving primarily as rhythmic accompaniment. Native American love songs are often played by men on flutes. Principal instruments have been drums and rattles, flutes and whistles. A very powerful musical presentation may be that of a group of men sitting around a large double-headed drum, singing in unison and drumming with sticks.