4 wedding traditions in Mexico

Like every culture, wedding traditions in Mexico have evolved over time with a blend of ancient customs from Mayan and Aztec rituals, Spanish customs, as well as the incorporation of modern wedding trends. While things like food, music, wedding dresses, and such elements of weddings vary from one family to another in Mexican tradition, one thing that holds true − the belief that marriage is a pillar of the family. With that said, for today’s post we’ll look and four special wedding traditions popular in Mexico.

Wedding Arras

Wedding arras – 13 gold coins

One unforgettable wedding tradition in Mexico is the giving of 13 gold coins known as wedding arras. The roots of this tradition are actually from a Roman tradition of breaking a silver or gold coin in two and giving half to the bride and the other to the groom. This is to symbolize the finding of middle ground in the marriage union.

In the Mexican wedding tradition, the bride receives the wedding arras from the groom. These 13 gold coins are a symbol of trust – that he trusts his bride with his finances. When the bride accepts, she is essentially promising to live up to that financial trust with careful attention and prudence. This traditional gift is customarily offered in an ornate box or on a gift tray which symbolizes good wishes for prosperity. The 13 gold coins are thought to represent Jesus and his 12 apostles and are presented to the priest at the start of the ceremony to be blessed. He then gives them to the groom, who hands them to the best man who gives them back to the priest near the end of the ceremony. In the end, the coins are given to the groom who then presents them to his new wife.

Unique Mexican Wedding Kit

Godparents serve as sponsors

Another special custom practiced in the Mexican wedding tradition includes Godparents (Los Padrinos) who serve as sponsors for different facets of the wedding including things like flowers, the cake, and even the bride’s dress, plus they contribute to the cost of the wedding ceremony. The role for the godmother (madrina) includes carrying a wine glass for the toast, and other roles for godparents can involve a prayer book, guestbook, an embroidered kneeling pillow, and a large loop of rosary beads known as the wedding lasso which is used for another wedding tradition as the godparents place it on the couple after they exchange vows.

What does the wedding lasso tradition mean?

The wedding lasso tradition represents unity. The godparents place the lasso or lazo around the necks of the couple in an eight-shape configuration which represents infinity and symbolizes the love that binds the couple as they face the shared responsibility of marriage together. It is laid upon the groom’s shoulders fist, and then intertwined to join him to the bride. The lasso is then worn for the remainder of the service, and once it is taken off is presented to the bride as a keepsake that reminds her she has become the mistress of the groom’s heart and home. 

Variations of this tradition can include interlacing orange blossoms with the beads which is thought to represent fertility and happiness. In some families, a double wedding lasso is given by one set of the parents.

Delicious Mexican wedding cookies

One last Mexican wedding tradition worth mentioning are Mexican wedding cookies known as polvorones. The ingredients in these cookies are very similar to Russian teacakes, or Italian wedding cookies and are made using flour, butter, sugar and ground nuts. These cookies are also known as Mexican wedding cake cookies but their origins date back to medieval Arab according to food historians. No matter where they originated, they are a special treat at any wedding.

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When did people start engraving wedding rings?

Engraving wedding rings dates back almost as far as wedding ring history, which can be traced back about 4800 years ago to Ancient Rome. The first rings were made of leather, bone, or ivory, but then transitioned to something more permanent. The newer version of wedding rings presented to the bride were made of iron, and while we may not consider it a precious metal worthy of a wedding ring, back then it represented strength and permanence. However, as I’ve mentioned before, brides of Ancient Rome actually received a second wedding ring made of gold. This is the ring that was to be worn in public. Along with the introduction of wedding rings, the Romans of the day are also said to be the first to engrave wedding rings.

First inscriptions of wedding rings

Wedding rings evolved and the fede ring design of two clasping hands became popular, but within the Byzantine Empire in the Middle Ages, inscribing images of the couple became a popular practice. Once Christianity became the state religion, rings often depicted Jesus or the cross between the couple which was thought to bless the marriage. In the second half of the Middle Ages, poesy rings became popular, a popularity which stretched from the 5th to 15th century. Engraved rings designed during Medieval times tended to have words engraved on the outside of the band. Latter on, rings sported lettering inside the band.

Rings for the Finger

Common sayings on wedding rings historically

The original inscriptions found on wedding rings let people dictate what saying to have inscribed, just like we do today. This allowed people to make their rings personal. However, the Victoria & Albert Museum has determined that certain inscriptions appear on multiple rings. It is thought that the goldsmiths probably had a list or book of “stock” phrases that customers could choose from. A 1917 book titled Rings for the Finger by George Kunz includes phrases and words from back then that show words like “honey” and simple phrases like “joy without end” were used, or more elaborate Greek lettering rendered “To her who excels not only in virtue and prudence, but also in wisdom.”

Ideas for engraving your wedding ring

You can find plenty of ideas for inspiration when it comes to engraving wedding rings. Today Bible verses are a popular choice for engraving wedding rings, but some couples choose funny sayings, or something that has personal meaning for the two of them. Some people choose to include the date of the wedding followed by words like “forever begins.” On a practical level, I have to say, that’s one way you won’t forget your anniversary date. Plus engraving your ring makes it easier to identify if it should happen to become lost or stolen.

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Photo credits: Wikimedia