KASALAN (The Filipino Word for Wedding) The traditional ceremonies of the candle, veil, and cord observed by traditional Filipino families are actually derived from the rites introduced in the early Eighteenth Century by the Spanish Missionaries. The bride and groom, dressed in pure white, stand before the altar with several sets of sponsors. Just as in baptism, when God-Parents are chosen to act as role models for the newly baptized individuals, Filipino tradition calls for principal sponsors to serve in this manner when a couple is to be married. As wedding sponsors, they commit themselves to be a source of encouragement and guidance throughout the lives of the married couples. CANDLES The candles, lit by the candle sponsors, are a call for enlightenment, a reminder of God's presence in the ceremony. The candles are lit at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. SANCTUS This point in the Mass is announced when the bell rings and the veil sponsors place a ceremonial veil over the groom's shoulders and the bride's head. This symbolizes the unity of the two families into one, it is also a prayer for health and protection during their married life. ARRAS The bride cups her hands under the groom's cupped hands, the priest dribbles thirteen silver coins into the groom's open palms, trickling like a water fall into the bride's hands, and from her palms into a plate held underneath by an acolyte or "sacristan". The trickling of the arrhae or arrets or arras (from the Spanish word Arras, "earnest money") is a sign of fidelity bestowed irrevocably and completes the marriage contract. The priest recites prayers over the couple and will continue with the Nuptial Mass at this point. YUGAL In a Filipino Wedding, the Yugal (nuptial tie, silken cord or strand of flowers or coins, even diamonds) is entwined loosely around the necks of both bride and groom, by the cord sponsors,  in the form of a figure eight. The cord or Yugal symbolizes the infinity of the bond of marriage, a union that lasts a lifetime. BODA (The Spanish Word for Wedding) Many of the customs in Spanish and Latino weddings come from the Catholic religion. Others have been passed on from generation to generation. Though modern times have changed how the bride and groom dress, any couple wishing to incorporate traditional dress and custom into their wedding ceremony can do so. In Spanish and Latino Weddings the following customs are often observed: LAZO In Guatemala, the couple bind themselves together with a silver rope. In Mexico couples perform a similar ritual where a rosary or a white rope is wound around the couple in a figure eight. This is to symbolize their union. If a rosary is used the Officiant says a special prayer. ARRAS During wedding ceremonies in Spain, Panama, and Mexico, the groom presents the bride with thirteen gold coins (today silver coins are often used) known as arras. These coins represent the groom's ability to support his bride. The Officiant blesses the coins and hands them to the groom. The groom dribbles the coins through his fingers to the bride's hands. This passing through the hands is done several times, ending with the bride holding all the coins.  African American Customs   Much in the African or Native American customs have the same root foundation as the Celtic, that is many of the traditions and beliefs are shared by these different cultures. For example: Hand Fasting is one of the many ceremonies that can be performed in an African American Wedding Ceremony. So too is the custom of passing the sword.    Other Traditions   Unity Candle Ceremony - We have many different Unity Candle Ceremonies. One is a beautiful long ceremony expressing what the candles symbolize. Another incorporates the mothers, or other relatives, into the ceremony. Rose Ceremonies - There are several different Rose Ceremonies all of which are non-denominational. Some of these ceremonies honor the mothers of the couple. If there are children from previous marriages, there is a Rose Ceremony that incorporates the children. Family Ceremony - A lovely ceremony which brings children from previous marriages into the wedding ceremony. And Cultural customs . . . Honey and Walnuts - In some of the Greek Islands the wedding ceremony ends with honey and walnuts being offered to the bride and groom from silver spoons. Walnuts are used because the break into four parts from one large nut. This is to symbolize the bride, the groom, and two families. The Seven Jewish Blessings - The Seven Jewish Blessings are used to praise God. Generally couples choose seven relatives or friends to recite them. ----------------------------------------------------- If you have some special custom or tradition you would like to incorporate into your wedding ceremony, please contact our wedding planner. We will be happy to see if it will fit into chapel time allotments.