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Mexican Wedding Ceremony Customs & Traditions
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| The 13 Gold Coins |
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The custom of the giving of wedding coins originated in Spain. Thirteen gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying he will support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These coins become a part of their family heirloom. The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles. Another popular belief is that the thirteen coins represent the 12 lunar cycles of a year, and the thirteenth coin symbolizes the couple's honeymoon.
The coins are presented to the priest by a friend or relative (usually the purchaser). The priest then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who places them in the groom's cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony. The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are given to the priest who places the coins in the box and hands them to the groom.
The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and places the box on top. This represent his giving her control as his mistress of all his worldly goods. (Sometimes their hands are tied with a ribbon for this portion of the ceremony.) | |
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| The Lasso |
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As part of the ceremony to symbolize unity, a large loop of rosary beads or a lasso (cord) is placed in a figure eight shape around the necks of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. It also is beautiful when made of entwined orange blossoms (which symbolize fertility and happiness). A double rosary lasso may also be given by one set of the parents and may be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.
A special person/couple places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, groom's shoulder's first. The lasso may also be tied around their wrists. The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. (The loop is symbolic of their love which should bind the couple together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.) | |
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| | There are a large number of traditions linked with weddings in Mexico, but it is impossible to follow all of them. Most of these rituals, superstitions and customs date back to ancient times. But all of them have to do with bestowing good luck and fertility on the newly-married couple. As you read through these long cherished practices for Mexican weddings, you can choose those that will make your Puerto Vallarta wedding celebration more meaningful and special.- During the marriage vows, a white ribbon or rosary, called a LASSO, is symbolically wrapped around the necks of the couple, which represents their joining. At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple, or the priest. The lasso is given to the Bride as a momento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home.
- It is customary for a Mexican groom to give his bride a wedding present of THIRTEEN GOLD COINS, which are then blessed by the priest during the marriage ceremony. This gesture represents the groom's commitment to support his new wife.
- During the ceremony, the couple may kiss a crucifix to show faithfulness to each other and the church, and godparents may present them with gifts of a prayer book, rosary and kneeling pillow.
- Most Mexican weddings will use the mariachis at the end of the ceremony as a part of the recessional.
- As the newlyweds leave the church, red beads may be tossed at them, to bring good luck.
- The reception is always family oriented and festive. Everyone is presumed to be invited.
- At a traditional Mexican reception, it is customary for the guests to join hands and form a heart shape around the newlyweds, as they begin their first dance as husband and wife.
- Common wedding favors are wedding cookies, Spanish fans, note cards of Mexican painters, and pieces of pottery.
- During the reception the groom is lifted over the shoulders of all the men, and then tossed several times into the air. This Mexican wedding tradition is called "el muertito" - the little death.
- A superstition from Mexico has it that the bride can not wear pearls on her wedding day - for the pearls are the tears she will cry in her marriage.
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