Mexican American Wedding Traditions
Octavio Paz, in his classic work, "Labyrinth of Solitude," identified traditionalism as one of the "masks" of Mexican culture. While American culture values innovation, creativity and individualism, Mexicans love tradition, formality and collectivity. When the two cultures combine, some of the traditions remain, and others evolve. In a Mexican American, we can see the fusion of cultures and the mixing of traditions.
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Ceremony
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The "lazo" is a tradition that unites the newlywed couple in a symbolic way and is a powerful tie to the Mexican culture. The white rosary around the couple's neck visually unites the couple as they kneel at the altar.
Having the wedding in a church is also traditional and a requirement for many Catholic families. In the Catholic religion, marriage is a sacrament, and it would be disrespectful to conduct the ceremony elsewhere.
Traditionally, the male empties 13 coins called "arras" into the bride's hands. This is symbolic of the male's role as the provider. A couple that plans to have both partners work and provide for the family may choose to have both share in the custom and take turns. This would not be traditional, but it is a variation of the original practice.
Food
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Mole has been a favorite part of the wedding feast. To say "va a haber mole" (there is going to be mole) is an idiom that means someone is getting married. Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a sauce made of chili powder, peanuts and chocolate that is used to cover chicken.
Elote is also popular with Mexican Americans at wedding dinners. Along with butter, cheese and hot sauce are commonly spread over the corn on the cob.
Hamburgers and hot dogs are often served for the kids along with ice cream. A popular wedding cake is called pastel de tres leches, or the three milk cake.
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Music
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Music is a highlight of the wedding reception. Most families that can afford it pay for a live mariachi band to play traditional ballads. "Volver, Volver" and "Mujeres Divinas" are rarely left out of the lineup of songs sung along by all the guests. A professional DJ who knows Latin music as well as English favorites is also hired. Many rock 'n' roll classics have been produced in Spanish and English and often are played to get people dancing. "Cumbias" by Celia Cruz and Selena also work magic to fill the dance floor.
Decorations
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The bride is most commonly in charge of deciding the colors of the decorations that set the mood of the party. Many choose to avoid blatant political color combinations such as red white and green or red white and blue. The table cloths and flower arrangements are full of a variety of bold, bright and festive colors that give an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Costs
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In a traditional Mexican wedding, the costs of the wedding are divided. Different relatives are assigned as being "padrinos" of different aspects of the ceremony and party. The custom of including as many relatives as possible is a healthy tradition. One person can provide the lazo. Another can provide the 13 gold or silver coins. Each part of the ceremony is an opportunity for a relative to take part financially and have a connection to the event. Most will feel honored and take part in decreasing the economic burden on either the groom or the father of the bride. The creation of community is key in planning and participating in a Mexican American wedding.
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References
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