The dancing of the cake is a tradition done in preparation for weddings in Carriacou and Petit Martinique. It is one of the activities done before the wedding ceremony.
The cake
There is a groom's cake and a bride's cake. The groom's cake is baked first, then the bride's cake. The groom's cake is usually slightly taller than the bride's cake to signal his future role as head of the family.
Timing
The dancing of the cake is often done on the day of the wedding. The bride and groom themselves do not participate in the dancing of the cake. Instead, they observe the activities.
Cake dancing
Women dance the cake. Each woman represents either the bride or groom side of the family. The cake is held in the hands or on the heads of the women. Dancing begins amidst music provided by local string band. In the dancing, women rolls their hips to the rhythm of the music, while ensuring to keep the cake steady and from falling from the ground. The groom's representative ensures to keep her cake above the bride's cake, again to represent the role of the man as head of the family.
Source: Discover Grenada
Video:
Source: GBN
Video:
Source: Explore Carriacou and Petit Martinique
Symbolism
A broken cake is a sign of omen in the marriage. Therefore, it is important that the cakes do not fall.
Information from Folk traditions of Carriacou and Petit Martinique by Christine David.
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