History of Mexican Weddings
A traditional Mexican wedding is a festive portrayal of the culture and rich history of Mexico. Many customs that are an integral part of the ceremony and celebration are deeply ingrained in Latin American culture.
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Sponsors
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In a Mexican wedding it is traditional for both sides of the family to play a role in sponsoring or paying for the wedding. It is not unusual for godparents, bridesmaids and groomsman to play an important role in this regard because the wedding is a joint affair that unites two families.
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Invitations
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Historically, wedding announcements are written in Spanish, but they can additionally be written in a second language. Parents of the bride and groom are listed on the invitations along with wedding attendants, who are referred to as "madrinas and padrinos."
Lazo
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A lazo is a large rosary or decorated cord that is draped around the neck of the bride and groom. It is placed in the shape of a figure eight when the couple are kneeling at the altar and the vows are completed. It symbolizes eternity. The bride often is given the lazo as a keepsake.
Arras
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Arras are symbolic of 13 gold coins. They represent Jesus and his 12 apostles, and are blessed by the priest before the groom presents them to his bride. The groom promises to be a good provider, and the bride accepts the gesture with confidence and trust.
Money Dance
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During the traditional money dance, wedding guests are encouraged to pay generously for taking turns dancing with the bride. The money from the dance is used by the newlyweds to start their life together.
Colors/Dress
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The bride is responsible for choosing the color scheme for a Mexican wedding. Whatever colors the bride chooses will dominate the wedding and reception. Typically lively and festive colors are chosen to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. The bride's dress can be modern or traditional in shape, and the style is often intricate in design and texture.
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Resources
- Photo Credit "DSC_0701" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: CarlosMendozaPhoto (Carlos Mendoza Lima) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
