|
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |
| The Philippines has fabulous customs, especially when it comes to weddings using a mix of earlier Filipino traditions and later Latin customs introduced by their colonial masters. |
|
| The weddings reflect the strong traditions of family- and extended family. Therefore Filipino wedding ceremonies typically involve many people and the wedding rituals "speak" to the couple personnally. |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Marriage Proposal without popping the actual question |
| They say that no woman wants to be married without first being asked. But do Filipino men really know how to propose? If so, why does the phrase “Pakakasalan mo ba ako?” (Will you marry me?) sounds more like a threat than a proposal? Popping the question is a totally Western concept that seems out of place within serious Filipino relationships where marriage is often a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'. For Pinoys, “Pakasal na tayo!” (Let’s get married!) seem to be the more likely proposition. Quite rightly, as proposal literally means a presentation of some plan; so asking should be out of the question. Looks like we got it |
| Arrhae are not peculiar to the Philippines; many cultures, such as Hispanic, use wedding coins or tokens to symbolise the groom's ability and promise to support his new family. In the Philippines these tokens are offered by the bride like a dowry and are called Arras [ah-ras].
Originally, the husband's role was the provider and the wife's role the-maker. Arras were both given and received, not in a spirit of reciprocity, but in a give/take relationship. Nowadays the coins are a reminder that the couple will dedicate themselves to one another, support each other, their children and the world around them.
There can be any number of coins, except 30 - this being the number of coins accepted by Judas for betraying Jesus
.- (Matthew 26:15) |
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| The Engagement Ring as dowry |
| A ring symbolizes such a deeper commitment that your average Pinoy will avoid this as a gift to a girlfriend early in the relationship to avoid sending the wrong signal. The engagement ring concept is likewise a Western influence, but its local adaptation is a consequence of practicality rather than colonial mentality. The giving of the ring is actually a scaled-down version of our forefather's offering of dote/bigay-kaya (dowry) to his future wife (and her family) to signify his intentions. It is a symbolic gift |
| Veil Sponsors place a white veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulders. Depending on the slippiness of the material, the veil might be attached using pins.
|
|
| The Filipino veil is like a large Spanish tulle mantilla and is deeply symbolic of two people clothed as one. The whiteness of the veil symbolises purity. The veil used in a Filipino wedding may be new or a family heirloom. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Cord Sponsors drape a decorative silk cord(yugal) in a figure-eight shape over the couple's shoulders, rather like a lasso (Spanish: lazo) but with the reverence given to a rosary. The figure-eight is like the infinity symbol, meaning everlasting love. |
|
| The blueprints of wedding plans are drawn or made known during this occasion. The pamanhikan is often hosted by the bride's family as the groom and his folks visit them to formally ask their daughter’s hand in marriage and discuss plans for the upcoming wedding over lunch or dinner. This can be an uneasy situation if it's the first time for both parties to meet. The soon-to-weds may feel a little awkward (nervous even) seeing and listening to their parents consult each other on matters like their wedding |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
|
| Candles are more than just lovely ornaments; they add a bright and warm ambience to any situation. Whether scented with incense or packed with dust to emit sparks when lit, candles are alive.
During the ceremony, Candle Lighters reverently light two small candles, which the bride and groom use to light a single larger candle. In contrast to the veil, rings and cord, the so called 'Unity Candles' are neither an ancient Christian rite nor a trational Filipino custom; rather a relatively modern idea which has increased popularity over the past fifty years or so.
|
Candle wicks sometimes need trimming. Similarly, marriages sometimes need external help to overcome difficulties. The wedding ceremony is attended by families and friends who will be there for such assistance.
Another advantage of candles is that they can be stored for a lifetime. The couple may decide to retain the main candle after the wedding (and the smaller candles if they are part of a set) and light them during wedding anniversary dinners. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
|
| The final blessing of the couple and the congregation may be a benediction found in the Scriptures (for example Numbers 6:24-26), a personalised version written by the celebrant, or a combination of the two. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
|
| With the main ceremony completed, the celebrant proclaims that the wedding has successfully taken place. The marriage 'contract' is then sealed with a KISS. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Like most cultures, during the Filipino wedding ceremony the couple exchange wedding rings with their vows. Traditionally, Filipinos wear their wedding rings on their right hands, but there is no hard and fast rule about this. When they live in the West, they might opt to wear their rings on the left hand to avoid confusion. |
|
| The vows may seem rather long, but this is by far the most significant part of the ceremony. It is a declaration of the person's intention to love the other person forever. And this is affirmed before all the witnesses, including the main family members and closest friends. The vows are also spoken before God. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
