Mexican Wedding Ceremonies
Mexican weddings ceremonies are usually traditional Roman Catholic Masses peppered with centuries-old rituals derived from Aztec, Spanish and Native American cultures. To many couples, careful adherence to these rituals is almost as essential as the Mass itself. Despite the soberness of the religious and cultural rites performed in the ceremony, Mexican weddings are generally large, high-spirited events bursting with color, music and festive dances.
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Godparents (Padrinos)
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Godparents, known as Padrinos, play a special role in a couple's wedding. They act as sponsors to the couple, offering them emotional and financial support throughout the engagement. Padrinos also play an honored role in the wedding ceremony itself. Usually, the Padrinos will perform a reading or present the couple with a religious object, such as a rosary or Bible.
Bridesmaids (Madrinas)
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Madrinas (meaning Godmothers) are the bride's attendants. Despite being referred to as Godmothers, they play a different role than Padrinos. Madrinas help the bride with wedding planning details throughout the engagement and support her on the wedding day. Each madrina usually has an appointed duty during the ceremony. For example, one madrina may carry flowers for the Virgin Mary (an auspicious tradition), while another carries the Lazo that will be used to bind the bride and groom later in the ceremony. It is common for Mexican brides to have several madrinas.
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Gold Coins
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In accordance with ancient Spanish tradition, during the wedding ceremony the groom presents his bride with 13 gold coins. Historically, these coins (called Arras) are meant to symbolize Christ and his 12 apostles. However, under conventional interpretation, the gift of these coins represents the groom's confidence in his bride and his promise to provide and care for her forever. The bride's acceptance of these coins reflects her confidence in her husband-to-be and her promise to care for him as well. The coins are usually presented to the bride in a beautiful silver jewelry box or tray. They are blessed by the priest during the ceremony, just before the groom gives them to the bride. A madrina is usually charged with carrying the coins into the ceremony.
The Lasso (Lazo)
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After the bride and groom exchange their vows, a white ribbon, cord or string of rosary beads (known as a "lazo") is draped over the necks of the couple or around their wrists in a figure-eight, symbolically binding them together. As the couple is joined by the lazo, the priest says a blessing that reflects their new status as a single family unit. The couple wears the lazo for the remainder of the ceremony, until it is removed and given to the bride as a keepsake.
Kissing the Cross
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Once all the rites are completed, the priest makes the sign of the cross over the head of the groom. Then, both the bride and groom are given a cross to kiss as a sign of their faithfulness to each other.
Mariachi Band
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Mexican weddings typically have organ music played during the ceremony. However, when the ceremony is over, it's common to have a Mariachi band to herald the newly married couple's exit. Mariachi bands usually consist of guitar, drum, trumpet and violin players. This traditional Mexican music is very loud and festive, providing a cheerful start to the partying that will follow during the reception.
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