In the heart of Costa Rica, we had the pleasure of witnessing a few of the many magic of Filipino wedding traditions with our very own newlyweds Mark + Dana. Their celebration represented a beautiful fusion of culturally rich traditions with the relaxed vibe of a destination vacation wedding.
At the core of many Filipino traditions, couples personally invite ‘sponsors’ to be involved in the ceremony. Sponsors could include Godparents, elders, or prominent figures of their community. Requesting sponsors is a deeply personal and cherished practice that unfolds almost immediately upon engagement. These heartfelt invitations, often accompanied by thoughtful tokens of appreciation and refreshments, request sponsors to participate in their ceremony.
Let’s embark through six captivating Filipino wedding traditions, each adding a unique touch to the celebration:
Veil + Cord
The Veil + Cord tradition involves sponsors draping a ceremonial lace veil covering the bride’s head and the groom’s shoulder, symbolizing the merging of two souls into one. The yugal is a ceremonial cord – often personally woven by the brides’ mothers in silk or presented as an oversized rosary if Catholic. The cord is then used to bind the couple in a figure-eight pattern, a testament to their eternal fidelity. This heartfelt tradition is a visual poetry of connection and commitment.
The 13 Coins
A promise of prosperity unfolds as the groom presents 13 coins, known as Arrhae, to his partner. The coins, whether nestled in a handkerchief or gently handed over by sponsors (godparents, symbolize abundance and mutual financial support. This tradition, inherited from Spanish roots, beautifully weaves a narrative of shared wealth and a promising future for the newlyweds.
Lighting of the Unity Candle
In a luminous ceremony, two wedding sponsors ignite candles on either side of the couple. Then the bride and groom take their separate flames uniting them to one. This act signifies the melding of two families into one, radiating warmth and harmony.
A Shower of Rice
As the couple step into the world as newlyweds, guests often celebrate by throwing a gentle shower of rice over them, sending blessings to their union. A symbolic gesture of bounty and good fortune, this tradition echoes the sacred status of rice in Philippine culture.
Money Dance
To kick off the dance of marital bliss, the Money Dance takes center stage. Guests, in a joyful display of generosity, attach money to the couple’s attire using tape, pins, envelopes, or petite purses. This tradition, embraced by various cultures, serves as a heartwarming gesture to aid the newlyweds financially as they embark on their journey together.
Pamamanhikan
Pamamanhikan, a cherished Filipino tradition, marks the formal introduction of the bride’s groom-to-be to both families, symbolizing unity and respect. This heartfelt custom includes seeking parental blessings, a profound gesture honoring tradition and acknowledging the importance of familial ties. Often accompanied by the symbolic act of “mano,” where the hand of the parent is raised to the forehead, Pamamanhikan exemplifies acceptance of one’s chosen partner and reverence for parental guidance.
Which tradition or cultural custom are you practicing at your wedding? Share with us in the comments below!
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