History   The custom of the wedding unity coins originated in Spain. The madrina de arras holds the thirteen gold unity 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.

Grooms pledge to the bride   The groom gives the bride thirteen gold unity coins as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence. The symbolism, which may be explained by the officiant, is that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for her. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.

Why 13 coins?   The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles.

How to use in the ceremony   The Unity 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 grooms 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 unity coins in the box and hands them to the groom.

The groom will then pour the unity coins into the brides 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.)

Wording on the Coins   These tokens generally have the words "Recuerdo Matrimonial" which translates as "Wedding Souvenir" or "Marriage Memory".

Uses   The use of the unity coins is a Latin American tradition for Hispanic and Filipino weddings, for Cinderella Weddings, Fairytale Weddings, Sweet 16 celebrations, Debutante Balls, Quinceaneras, and Bat Mitzvahs


Other Mexican Wedding Traditions


Sponsors   In the mexican tradition when someone gets married there is padrinos or sponors. The padrinos help the bride and groom pay for their wedding. When you are a padrino you agree to help pay for different things in the wedding such as the lazo. Then they will also take part in the church services and put the lazo around the couple during the ceremony.

Ceremony:   Godparents or sponsors of the wedding (padrinos and madrinos) place pillows for the couple to kneel, present the couple with a bible and present coins in a treasure box. A cord, el lazo, is placed around the couple to show that they are bound together for life. The groom gives the bride 13 coins, called "Arras", as a sign of sharing his wealth with her. In some Latin American cultures only the couples parents stand with them at the altar.

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

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