UKRAINIAN WEDDING TRADITIONS
Filipino weddings are heavily wrapped up in Catholic tradition. And with that tradition comes the strong belief that marriage is a sacrament and something to be celebrated heavily. Beyond the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the Filipino wedding includes many more significant members that have been a part of the couple’s life. During the ceremony, these sponsors are invited to join the bride and groom in the prayers of blessing.
Through the VEIL ceremony, two individuals are bonded and recognized as one. The infinity-shaped CORD known as the Yugal is incorporated as a representation of the couple’s bond and union. Exactly 13 arras, or COINS, are carried in a pouch and then blessed for the groom to gift his bride as he promises the welfare of her and their future family. Traditionally, the promise is made by the groom, however, today’s couples are more mutually supportive than ever before.
The final ritual symbolizing the bonding of two individuals and their families is the CANDLE ceremony. Two outer candles are a representation of the couple’s individual lives before their wedding day. Together, the bride and groom will light the unity candle, blow out the single candles, and figuratively extinguish their past.