The traditional ceremonies of the candle, veil and cord observed by traditional Filipino families are actually derived from the rites introduced in the early 18th 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 individual, Filipino tradition calls for principal sponsors (reverently referred to as Ninongs, male sponsors and Ninangs, female 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 couple.

The bride and groom, their hands joined is blessed with Holy water by the officiating priest. The rings are blessed and exchanged. The bride cups her hands under the groom's cupped hands, the priest dribbles thirteen silver coins (from the Spanish word Arras, "earnest money") into the groom's open palms, trickling like a water falls into the brides hands, and from her palms into a plate held underneath by an acolyte or "sacristan". The trickling of the arrhae or arrets or arras 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.

SANCTUS! a point in the mass is announced by 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. Then comes the Yugal(nuptial tie, a silken cord or strand of flowers or coins, even diamonds) which the cord sponsors entwines loosely around the necks of both bride and groom in the form of a figure of eight. The cord or yugal symbolizes the infinity of the bond of marriage, a union that lasts a lifetime. The candles, lit by the candle sponsors, is a call for enlightenment, a reminder of God's presence in the ceremony. The cord ceremony concludes the rituals in a Filipino wedding.

Modern Filipino weddings have incorporated American, European and non traditional Filipino rituals into these early Spanish traditions. Filipina brides in the US and Europe, now offer a bouquet of flowers and say their prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary after the wedding rites. Vernacular or foreign prayers are now used in the wedding ceremony. Lest we forget, the very American tradition of the first kiss when the priest or pastor introduces the newly weds is now part of a Filipino wedding! These modern touches blends well with the old Filipino customs and traditions.

In essence, new traditions help in creating and presenting a modern, albeit traditional Filipino picture. Modern day Filipina brides and their mothers are always looking for a nice touch to make their wedding -- special.

Needless to say, the rites of the candles, veil, cord, arrets and ring will always be the basic ingredient of truly FilipinoKasalan! Maynila Netzine © 1996 all rights reserved.