Weddings are a special occasion of love, commitment, and tradition. Every culture has its unique way of celebrating this day and has its own traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In traditional Hispanic weddings, one of the most significant customs is the exchange of 13 coins called arras. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the meaning and significance of 13 coins in Hispanic weddings.
History
The tradition of arras goes back to ancient Rome, where the groom presented his bride with a gold coin, symbolizing his commitment to her. The tradition then evolved in Spain during the Middle Ages, where the groom gave his bride a bag of coins in exchange for her dowry. The coins were viewed as a symbol of the groom’s promise to support his new family financially.
The Mexican culture adopted the tradition during the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors brought it to the new world. The concept of arras is still popular in Mexico and many other Hispanic countries, including Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The Present-day Arras Tradition
The exchange of arras is one of the most significant parts of a Hispanic wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, the groom hands over 13 coins to his bride. The coins are usually served on a tray or a decorative container. The coins can be of gold, silver, or any other valuable metal.
The couple holds hands while the coins, presented by a friend or family member, are blessed by the priest or minister. The coins are then transferred to the groom, who places them in the bride’s hands. The groom then recites a pledge, which expresses his love and commitment to his bride and how he will provide for her and their future family.
The bride then accepts the coins, symbolizing her trust in the groom as a provider for the family. She promises to be a careful administrator of their wealth and a responsible partner in their home.
The Symbolism Behind the 13 Coins
The number 13 symbolizes the combination of two numbers, i.e., seven and six. Seven is a sacred number representing perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation. Meanwhile, six is the number of days in which God created the earth, and it symbolizes harmony.
The 13 coins, therefore, represent the bride and the groom’s union, with the groom offering his bride a life of harmony and perfection. Additionally, the number 13 has significance in many cultures worldwide and is viewed as a symbol of good luck.
The Significance of Coins in Hispanic Culture
The coins themselves have significant meaning in Hispanic culture. Coins, being a precious metal, represent good fortune and wealth. In a time when money may have been scarce, these coins signified financial stability within the family unit.
In traditional Hispanic families, financial stability is held in high regard. Parents work hard to provide for their children and ensure their prosperity. Passing down this tradition through the exchange of coins ensures that the couple’s family will be financially stable and secure for future generations.
Additionally, the gesture of giving the bride these coins implies the groom’s trust in her to manage the family’s finances. This is an essential value to traditional Hispanic families as the wife often takes the lead in family finances, purchasing household items, and providing for the children.
Conclusion
The arras tradition is an essential part of a Hispanic wedding ceremony. The exchange of thirteen coins is a symbol of financial stability for the couple and a promise of commitment to each other. The tradition, which has been passed down through generations, shows the importance of managing family finances and provides assurance of stability for future generations. If you are looking to incorporate arras tradition in your wedding, ensure you have the right number of 13 coins and a trusted person to present them during the ceremony.
FAQ
What is the meaning of the 13 coins?
The tradition of giving 13 coins, also known as “las arras,” has been an important part of wedding ceremonies in many Latin American and Hispanic cultures for centuries. The 13 coins carry a deep symbolic meaning, representing the groom’s commitment to care for and support his bride.
Traditionally, the coins are presented to the bride by the groom, who places them into her hands or a decorative box. The act represents the groom’s undying love and promise to provide for his bride and future family. These coins also serve as a symbol of the groom’s willingness to share his possessions, wealth, and all that he has with his bride.
The practice of giving coins during the wedding ceremony dates back to ancient Roman times. During the time, a bridegroom would give his bride a silver coin as a sign of his commitment to offer her a good life. Over time, the tradition evolved, and the number of coins presented increased to 13, each representing a different aspect of the groom’s dedication.
The number 13 has its roots in Christianity, with the coins representing the Twelve Apostles and Jesus. The groom is seen as representing Jesus, who provided for the apostles in life and death. The bride represents the Church, which Jesus loves and cherishes.
In some cultures, the coins are blessed by the priest during a special ceremony. This blessing is meant to strengthen the commitment and bond between the couple.
The 13 coins presented during a wedding ceremony carry a deep symbolic meaning in Latin American and Hispanic cultures. They represent the groom’s commitment to care for and support his bride, his willingness to share his possessions, and his undying love. This tradition is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the sacred bond of marriage.
What coins to put in arras?
In many cultures, las arras (also known as wedding coins or unity coins) is a tradition during wedding ceremonies. It involves the exchange of coins between the bride and groom as a symbol of their commitment to financial unity and sharing of wealth.
The number and type of coins used in the arras may vary based on cultural and personal preferences. In some regions, seven or ten coins are used, but in Spain and Latin America, the traditional arras consists of thirteen gold coins. These coins are often presented in an ornate box or chest and symbolize the groom’s promise to provide for his bride and their future family.
Some modern arras sets also include one additional coin, often made of platinum, which represents God’s blessings and the spiritual dimension of the marriage union. The coins are usually blessed by a priest or minister before the wedding ceremony, further emphasizing their importance.
While gold coins are the traditional choice for arras, some couples opt for alternatives such as silver, copper, or even commemorative coins that hold special significance to them. Other couples choose to personalize their arras by engraving their names, wedding date, or special inscriptions on the coins.
The coins put in arras can vary depending on cultural and personal preferences, but in Spain and Latin America, the traditional arras consists of thirteen gold coins symbolizing the groom’s commitment to provide for his bride and their future family.
Where do couples receive 13 gold marriage coins?
In Spain and Latin America, couples traditionally receive 13 gold coins during their wedding ceremony. This ritual, known as las arras, is rich in cultural and historical significance. The tradition can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a coin would be broken in half and split between the bride and groom.
In Hispanic cultures, the 13 coins symbolize the groom’s pledge to care for his wife financially. The coins are typically presented in a special ornate box or tray that is brought forward by a young child or close family member, and the groom will place them in the bride’s hands during the ceremony.
Las arras represents a physical representation of the groom’s commitment to his bride to provide for their family and to work together to build a happy and prosperous life. The coins are also said to bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds.
This tradition has evolved over time and is still a significant part of many Hispanic wedding ceremonies today. The 13 gold coins are often passed down from generation to generation and remain a cherished and meaningful symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to one another.