06/30/2024
A glorious day yesterday. Not too muggy, but were still quite warm in the chapel.
Together almost ten years.. and now getting things prepared to begin a family. From marriage prep classes to vow writing, these two have put in true effort. We talked long and hard about the kind of partner they want to be, how they wish to care for their parents in years to come, how they imagine raising their kids.. some really hard topics that sound anything but romantic. Because I gotta tell ya folks, being in love doesn't make a marriage. Any fool can fall in love.
But the ceremony...
One of the traditions that came from being colonizated by Spain and the Catholic church is Las Arras Matrimoniales.. the exchange of coins, and comes from the idea of wishing for prosperity. Historically, thirteen coins (representing Jesus and his disciples) are the groom's promise to provide for his new or as family and the bride's trust in the groom's promise for provision, and her promise to protect and take care of said treasure.
How it's done more modernly is the promises are made in both directions. First he promises to provide and she agrees to protect the treasure, and then she promises to provide while agrees to protect.. symbolizing their unity.
What's always moving to me is the sponsors. Filipino sponsors are kinda the eqivilant of godparents... and are often elders, or prominent figures of their community...
The Ninongs and Ninangs (godparents) are APLENTY! In all of the Filipino ceremonies I've been so blessed to oversee, there are anywhere from three to ten sets of sponsors! And these are not the symbolic godparents of the west. These folks take their roles seriously, and couples have all of these bonus parents. Yep.. lots of nosy advice, lots of food and laughter. Lots of love.
Of course, there are other elements, like the veil and cord that are draped over the couple prior to signing; the unity candle etc.. but I thought I would share this much tonight. Good night all.
