| by: Ernest E. Punzalan, Ph. D. 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, arrhaes and ring
will always be the basic ingredient of truly Filipino Kasalan & Maynila Netzine © 1996 all rights reserved. | 
1 comments:
You write very well.
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