Growing up with first generation, traditional, Catholic, Filipino parents has given me a sense of culture and tradition that I try to balance with growing up in a more modern LA/CA/USA. Although I put a lot of importance in their values, I am Filipino-American and my thoughts and likings sway towards a more modern feel. This has been quite apparent when planning my wedding.
The parents know the traditional and religious customs/ceremonies they'd seen in countless weddings past. The huge bridal parties, the godparents, the cultural customs. I have been to a few traditional Filipino weddings and think each detail and ritual is beautiful. While I may not do all of them, I respect the love and meaning in each.
The bride wears a white wedding gown, similar to in the US, the groom wears a traditional hand embroidered formal shirt called a barong. Made in a thin, almost transparent material, embellishments of lace are added to the front as nice details. Since the barong is basically see through, a white shirt is worn underneath for modesty.
The wedding ceremony usually takes place in a Catholic Church. Two popular cultural traditions occur during the ceremony: cord and veil, and coin. Sponsors, usually godparents and uncles and aunts, are present to witness the union. They will provide guidance and support to the couple, and can participate in the wedding ceremony.
During the cord and veil part, two sponsors pin a veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder. This represents the couple's commitment to protect each other, to clothe each in their love and loyalty.
Once the veil is on, two more sponsors place a cord (in a figure 8) over the couple's shoulders. This cord binds their love, symbolizing unity and infinity.
Following the cord and veil is the coin ceremony. Also known as "arras", the priest drops 13 coins into the groom's hand, then the groom drops the coins into the bride's hands. This symbolizes the groom's support of his wife and household, as well as wealth and prosperity.
For a more modern take, we plan to change this a bit. We will ask the priest to bless the coins and place them in both of our cupped hands, symbolizing our shared commitment and position in our marriage, as well as a symbol for prosperity. We feel this portrays an equal, balanced relationship.
Coins can be regular quarters, half dollars, or dollars, and they can be fancy. Fancy coins, like the gold plated ones above, are a beautiful keepsake and can be passed down.
The rest of the wedding ceremony consists of vows, blessings, and kisses. For more information on Filipino wedding traditions please visit:
Wedding in the Sky
Weddings in Bliss!
Sweet Knottings
With all the serious and business parts over, it's time for fun! A Filipino reception has lots of food, family, and fun. There aren't really any rituals or traditions at receptions, but there are a few cultural aspects to add. Most of these have to do with dancing.
The dollar/money dance is a popular event. After blogging about it here, we are still considering how it will be recieved by our guests. Chances are, if we do this dance, it will be spontaneous.
Other dances are more traditional to the culture. Dances like tinikling and eskrima could require bride and groom participation or be performed by family members.
Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines. It involves the beating and tapping of bamboo poles on the ground and against each other, in harmony with one or more dancers. The dancers step over and in between the poles while dancing.
Another dance is the eskrima. More of a martial art, participants use rattan sticks, in a fencing but more fluid like motion.
There are so many aspects, details, and meaning in the traditions. So many different kinds to incorporate into a ceremony. I know that although we aren't choosing to have every tradition, using one or two allows us to share my culture withe one another and with our guests.
Will you incorporate any cultural rituals or traditions to your wedding day?
Blog title is from lyrics by No Doubt
Showing posts with label tradition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tradition. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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