Cultural Wedding Ceremonies

Traditional Mexican Wedding

Mexican wedding ceremonies originated in ancient Jewish and Pagan worship, adopted by the early Catholic Church. The Spanish came to Mexico and intermarried with the native Aztec Indians, blending their religion with some of the Aztec customs of pagan type worship. Today in parts of New Mexico ( United States ) Russian Orthodox (Catholic origin) customs are mixed with Catholic/Aztec origins. About 40% of the Mexican people are traditionally Roman Catholics. The wedding service would follow the rules of the Catholic church, and is usually a full Mass.

Traditional Cuisine and Music

Traditional foods include spicy rice, beans, tortilla dishes, using chicken and beef. Sangria is served. It is a cold drink made from red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice and soda water.

Salsa, meringue and the flamenco guitar music add a Latin flare to the reception.

Mariachi music consists of trumpets, drums, guitars, as well as harps and violins. The men wear black suits, their pants laced with silver. They may also dress in white. Music from the Vera Cruz region is played with more delicacy.

Musicians from northern Mexico dress in blue satin, with white frills and wear cowboy boots. Their music has a distinct staccato beat. Although the snare drum leads, accordion sounds will also be heard.

Traditions

In some cities of northern Mexico , there is the tradition of giving a ring called "of promise" that occurs before the ring of commitment, sometimes up to a year before giving the one of commitment. It is made generally in the long engagements, which are common in my area [pais].

This tradition was shared with us by Cecilia Herrera

"Sponsors" are usually god parents or special others who contribute to the cost of the wedding. In establishing the wedding budget, and particularly in contracting for wedding services, it is important to know which sponsors may be paying for what part of the wedding.

Prior to leaving the home for the ceremony, the bride's mother (or parents) offers a prayer with the bride.

Mariachis may replace organ music but the brides march is usually played on the organ.

Mexican weddings tend to be large with many attendants. The attendants are called madrinas and padrinos and they have special roles in the wedding.

Hand lanterns are used for lighting the way from the groom's home to the bride's home on the night before the wedding. Traditionally, the groom's family would carry a wedding chest filled with gifts for the bride's family.

Wedding ducks are a symbol for a long and happy marriage.

Cranes are a symbol of long life and may be represented on the woman's sash.

In larger cities, luxury hotels will have ' wedding rooms ' used specifically for wedding ceremonies. These rooms are decorated with a wedding motif and rented to couples.

The flower girl and ring bearer are dressed as miniature versions of the bride and groom. The madrina de ramo carries flowers for the Virgin Mary. The madrina de laso carries a jeweled or beaded rope that is placed around the couple as they say their vows, to symbolize their union.

The Thirteen Gold Coins

The madrina de arras holds the 13 coins the bridegroom presents to the bride. The coins, or arrhea, was a Roman custom of breaking gold or silver, one half to be kept by the woman and the other half by the man, as a pledge of marriage.

The groom gives the bride thirteen gold coins as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence. He pledges that he places all of his goods into her care and safekeeping. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.

The custom of the coins originated in Spain . Thirteen gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying he will support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These coins become a part of their family heirloom.

The number 12 represents Christ and his 12 apostles. The coins are presented to the priest by a friend or relative (usually the purchaser). The priest then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who places them in the groom's cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony. The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are given to the priest who places the coins in the box and hands them to the groom.

The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and places the box on top. This represent his giving her control as his mistress of all his worldly goods. (Sometimes their hands are tied with a ribbon for this portion of the ceremony.)

Other Participants

The madrina de copas carries the wine glasses for the toast. Madrinas or padrinos carry a prayer book, a rosary, a guest book for signatures and an embroidered pillow to commemorate the day. There also is a madrina de velacion, who the bride has chosen to turn to for guidance throughout her married life. God parents of the bride and bridegroom give the couple a prayer book, rosary, and kneeling pillow for the ceremony.

The last persons in the procession carry the recuerdos, which are remembrances given to the guests. In addition there can be several sets of wedding sponsors, similar to god parents, who look after the couple promising them financial and spiritual aid.

The Sign of the Cross

The priest makes the sign of the cross over the groom's head. The groom kisses the cross. The bride kisses the cross. (This represents the swearing of faithfulness to one another.)

The Lasso

As part of the ceremony to symbolize unity, a large loop of rosary beads or a lasso (cord) is placed in a figure eight shape around the necks of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. It also is beautiful when made of entwined orange blossoms (which symbolize fertility and happiness). A double rosary lasso may also be given by one set of the parents and may be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.

A special person(s) places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, groom's shoulder's first. The lasso may also be tied around their wrists. The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. (The loop is symbolic of their love which should bind the couple together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.)

At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple, or the priest. The lasso is given to the Bride as a momento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home.

Most weddings will use the mariachis at the end of the ceremony as a part of the recessional.

The reception is always family oriented and festive, as these extended families can be large and sincerely believe in celebrating. Everyone is presumed to be invited.

For the bridal couple's first dance, guests will gather in a heart-shaped ring at the reception around the couple. Salsa, merengue and the flamenco guitar music may add a Latin flare to the reception.

Favors could be wedding cookies wrapped in tulle, Spanish fans, note cards of Mexican painters, or pieces of pottery could be given.

Communion

Communion is an important part of the wedding service. Usually the couple takes communion together, though if one of the couple isn't Catholic he or she may be asked to refrain. Communion is then offered to guests.

While most protestant churches invite any believing Christian to join them in communion, the Catholic church does not unless the church is"united" with them.

From the US Conference of Catholic Bishops web site.
As Catholics, we believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of our oneness in faith, life and worship. Members of churches with whom we are not yet fully united are therefore not ordinarily invited to participate in Holy Communion.

Wedding Attire

The Bride may wear a mantilla veil, or a slim dress with a bolero jacket, or even a Flamenco-style dress with ruffles at the hem. In lieu of carrying flowers she may carry a fan. The groom may choose to wear a matadorian outfit - a bolero jacket with tight fitting pants.