Filipino/American Weddings

All about our Filipino/American wedding ceremony...






Our wedding was be a combination of John and Eileen's backgrounds with a Roman Catholic Filipino ceremony (called a Kasalan) and a traditional American reception.

Most of the Philippine's wedding traditions are similar to Spanish and Mexican traditions because of the influence of early 18th century Spanish missionaries where the presence and support of family and friends are important and are symbolized in different ways throughout the ceremony.

Sponsors
Just like God-parents in baptism or sponsors in confirmation, adults are chosen to act as role models and support for the couple. Male sponsors are called Ninogs and female sponsors are called Ninags.

Candle Sponsors - To Light Our Path
The candle ceremony symbolizes the lighting of the way for the couple.
Cord Sponsors - To Bind Us Together
The cord (yugal) has one loop for the groom and another for the bride which are connected by a knot. The knot is a symbol of how a bond is truly strengthened by their union. The figure eight form of the cord also symbolizes the infinity of the bond of marriage, a union that lasts a lifetime bound by mutual love.
Veil Sponsors - To Clothe Us
The veil symbolizes the union in marriage as husband and wife and expresses the promise of purity, sanctity, faith, loyalty, health and protection as well as the unity of the two families into one.

Coin Ceremony
Thirteen silver coins (from the Spanish word arras, "earnest money") symbolize that husband and wife share the bounty and graces of God. The priest dribbles the coins into the groom's open palms, trickling like a waterfall into the bride's hands and onto a plate. The trickling of the arras is a sign of fidelity bestowed irrevocably.

Other Sources
If you'd like to read more about Filipino weddings, Weddings@Work.com has a great list of links about this portion of Filipino culture.

I've been asked about the order of a ceremony where Filipino wedding traditions are incorporated so here is the document we gave our wedding coordinator for the church to assist with the rehearsal of the procession and the order of worship. We celebrated the sacrament of marriage outside of the eucharist out of respect for John's family who are not Catholic. Wedding Emergency Kit

Here's a list of things someone (ie. Personal Attendant, Wedding Planner) should bring to the ceremony...






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