The Filipino Wedding Ceremony

~written by Cendi Micor

As a Canadian with parents from Manila, Philippines, I chose to incorporate my Filipino customs into my wedding ceremony. In fact, it is very common for weddings in Canada to have intercultural traditions since the majority of our population are immigrants. With that being said, I would love to share with you the details and meanings behind a Filipino wedding ceremony.

One aspect that is very distinct is the attire. Brides wear the common white bridal gown, due to America's influence. However, grooms wear what is called a "barong". This is formal attire in the Philippines for men and can also be worn by other men at the wedding. It is an almost transparent shirt, that is usually buttoned-up and has intricate embroidery. Underneath you can wear a plain white undershirt. It is very convenient due to the extremely warm weather in the Philippines, however, can be quite difficult if worn during fall or winter seasons elsewhere.



~Photo courtesy of www.quezoncity.olx.com.ph

The ceremony, which usually is incorporated with a Catholic mass, consists of primary and secondary sponsors. The primary sponsors are couples chosen to be Godparents. Godfathers (ninongs) and Godmothers (ninangs) can be the same ones chosen by the bride & groom's parents during the baptism, however do not have to be. The secondary sponsors are three couples (who are randomly chosen, do not have to be married or dating) who participate with the veil, cord and candles. It is up to the bride and groom to choose but preferably one from each side of the family. Immediately after all sponsors are seated, the candles sponsors light two candles (one of each side of the couple) then have a seat. After the rings are exchanged....

Next is the coin ceremony, the coins are called the "arras". This is why aside from the ring bearer, a coin bearer is also needed in the wedding entourage. The priest is given 13 coins, and while the groom has his hands cupped above the bride, he passes them to the groom, who in turn allows them to flow into the bride's cupped hands. They are then passed onto a plate held by an acolyte (perhaps an alter boy/girl). The symbolism behind this is that there will always be fidelity and they will have a prosperous life. The groom passing them to the bride is significant as he is to ensure that he takes care of her materially.


~Photo courtesy of www.eventsinstyle.multiply.com

After a point in the mass called the Sanctus, the veil sponsors are asked to come up to the altar where the bride and groom will be kneeling. A large veil is pinned over the bride's head and around the grooms shoulders.


~Photo courtesy of www.photographybymonique.com


This symbolizes the male being the "head" of the household or "unity" as they are clothed as one. Once this is completed, the cord sponsors are called up to place a white cord, loosely around the couple's neck. It must form a figure-eight to symbolize their lifelong bond.

They candle sponsors are asked to approach the candles they lit at the begin of the ceremony, preferably the bride and groom's original baptism candles, and simultaneously light a Unity Candle in the middle. This symbolizes that as seen by God's eyes and their family, they are now to live as one. They are also supposed to light the Unity candle on every wedding anniversary.

The rest of the ceremony is conducted as a normal Western ceremony would follow and the same sponsors are expected to remove the cord and veil.

During the reception, it is very popular in the Philippines to release two doves as a symbol of love and peace. This is a custom that many cultures incorporate.



~Photo courtesy of www.chariots4hire.com

Another tradition, that is also used in Poland and the Ukraine, is the "Money Dance". This is where guests line up to take turns to dance with the bride and groom. The DJ is usually asked prior to the wedding, to have a list of songs solely for this moment of the evening. While dancing, money is pinned to their attire. Some couples may choose to avoid this tradition in fear of the "money-grubbing" stigma.

A few other traditions.....

**extremely bad luck for siblings to get married in the same year

**it is not wise to go out or travel the night before the wedding because you may get into an accident

**the groom must enter the church/place of ceremony before the bride

**an heirloom rosary should be held by bride along with bouquet during ceremony

**bouquet should be placed on the grave of a loved one who has passed

Want to say "I Love You" in Filipino, it's easy ...."MA-HAL KI-TA"

Coincidentally enough, this is being published on the same day as the MANNY PACQUIAO boxing fight tonight......good luck Pac-Man!!! Hope you all get a chance to witness a Filipino ceremony. It is long but very beautiful!