PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL WEDDING DRESS

ARRAS (UNITY COINS)

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.

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.

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.

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.

MONEY DANCE

One of the Filipino customs is the money dance. That’s one of the traditions you do at a Filipino wedding. The bride and groom dance to a

Filipino love song or folksong and while they are dancing, the guest will put money in the bride’s mouth. The person who gives the money

brings the couple's heads together as if kissing. Sometimes people throw money on the floor or pin the dollar bills on the bride and groom's

clothing. Sometimes the money is placed in an envelope and put into the bride,s mouth. The money dance has become a tradition at Filipino

weddings in Hawaii. The idea of this is to help contribute to the wealth and happiness of the couple.

CAKE SLICING