There are many unique Wedding Traditions in the Philippines, the Pilipino word for which is kasalan. Many of these traditions are drawn from the dominant Christian religion of the Philippines, Roman Catholicism. Catholicism originated from the over 300 years of Spanish presence and colonization of the country, and is practiced by roughly 80% of the population.
The Bride and Groom arrive separately and at different times for their Wedding Ceremony, which is typically included as a part of a full Mass that usually runs about an hour or so. The Groom arrives up to an hour before the actual ceremony to help receive the guests. The Bride, however, arrives just in time for her bridal march.
Both the Bride and the Groom march down the aisle; the Groom marching at the head of the entourage either alone, with his mother, or escorted by both of his parents, and of course the bride being walked down the aisle by her father or some other male guardian who ‘hands her away” to her Groom.
Wedding Entourage
In the Pilipino tradition, the marrying couple selects several pairs of Ninongs and Ninangs as an extension of the wedding party called Sponsors or Godparents. Sponsors fall into two categories: the Principal Sponsors and the Secondary Sponsors.
Principal Sponsors can be couples or any other individuals that the couple deems to be important in their lives. Typically uncles, aunts, or other close family friends are selected for this honor. The role of the Principal Sponsors is to provide official witness to the Wedding Ceremony itself, as well as to provide support, guidance, and wisdom to the couple over the course of their wedded lives.
Also, in addition to the Best Man, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen that constitute the wedding entourage, three pairs of wedding attendants act as Secondary Sponsors. They are tasked to manage the wedding candles, veil, and cord ceremonies that take place during the nuptial mass.
Candle Ceremony
The first set of Secondary Sponsors will light two candles on either side of a larger Unity Candle. These candles will later be used by the Bride and Groom to light the Unity Candle, which symbolizes the union of the two families through the love of the couple being married.
Veil Ceremony
The second set of Secondary Sponsors is responsible for draping and pinning the Tulle Veil to the shoulder of the Groom and over the Bride’s head. This is to symbolize the wedded couple being ‘clothed’ as one.
Cord Ceremony
Then the last pair of Secondary Sponsors places one loop of a figure-eight shaped Cord over the shoulders of both the Bride and Groom. This cord can be a silken rope or made from a string of flowers or links of coins, and it symbolizes unity and the infinite bond of the marriage; the spiritual binding of two souls.
Arrhae (13 Coins ) Ceremony
In addition to the exchanging of the Wedding Rings, the Groom also presents his Bride an ‘arrhae’, which is a monetary gift in the form of thirteen pieces of gold or silver coins. This is a pledge from the Groom of his dedication to the welfare of his wife and his future children that are to be born out of their union. The arrhae is carried by a Coin Bearer who walks alongside the Ring Bearer for both the processional and recessional.
Money Dance
Another popular custom that is done during the Reception after the Wedding is the traditional Pilipino Money Dance. As part of the ceremonial dance at the reception, many couples incorporate this Money Dance wherein guests are allowed to pin money on either the bride’s veil or on the groom’s suit. The idea of this is to help contribute to the wealth and happiness of the newly married couple.
Every part of the ceremony of a traditional Roman Catholic Pilipino Wedding highlights the union of two people as one, in a lifelong commitment of love and devotion. It is also very important to note that the Sacrament of Matrimony itself has very strong ties with Faith, emphasizing God in almost every aspect of the ceremony and inviting Him to have a central part in their lives as a married couple.
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