Arras Coins- A Hispanic wedding tradition of 13 coins.

Arras in Spanish means pledge. Thirteen gold coins (arras) are given by the groom to the bride during the marriage ceremony. The groom giving the coins signifies his willingness to support her and trust in her. The bride accepting them signifies her willingness to trust him and be prudent.

Some say the thirteen coins represent thirteen words; Love, peace, commitment, trust, respect, joy, happiness, nurturing, caring, harmony, wholeness, harmony, and cooperation. Others believe it is representative of the 12 Apostles and Christ. Yet, others see it as the lunar calendar of 12 months and the 13 as the honeymoon. Whatever the tradition stems from, it is a beautiful part of the Hispanic wedding ceremony.

The Padrinos (Godparents) are the ones to purchase the 13 coins for the groom. This signifies that the Read the rest of Arras Coins- A Hispanic Wedding Tradition »

El Lazo (the Lasso) Mexican Wedding Tradition

A lasso (El lazo) is used in traditional Hispanic wedding ceremonies to symbolize unity. This tradition probably came from seventh century Spain. A rope, ribbon, cord or large rosary is draped around the neck of the groom then the bride in a figure eight after they exchange vows. Often the Padrinos (Godparents) have the honor of draping the lasso during the wedding ceremony. In some ceremonies the lasso is draped around the wrists instead of the neck. To symbolize the forever binding of love and marriage, the couple wears the lasso until the end of the ceremony. After the ceremony the Lasso is removed either by the Padrinos (Godparents) or the priest. The Lasso is then given to the bride for her to keep as a memento of her status as mistress to her husbands heart and home.

This is one tradition that is very much common place in Mexican weddings, especially in Mexican-American weddings.

Padrinos (Spanish for Godparents): The tradition of godparents in Latin & Hispanic Weddings.

A religious tradition, as well as a culture one, Godparents play a significant role in Latin & Hispanic wedding tradition. Godparents, as tradition goes, will pay for the wedding and act as mentors for the couple.

This tradition is rooted in the religious tradition surrounding Godparents during baptism. In Hispanic & Latin cultures the godparents provide financial and emotional support to help the new couple during their Read the rest of Traditional Godparents Role In Weddings »