Wedding Sponsors
A long held tradition of Filipino weddings involves the naming of sponsors, which reflects the cultures long held belief in the support not only of family, but of an extended family made up of close friends. And it is to these that a couple turn to when looking for both primary and secondary sponsors of their marriage.
Made up of men and women whom the bride and groom respect and admire it is the Primary sponsor's duty to bless the marriage and to attest to the couple's readiness and freedom to marry. A part of the wedding party, it is also the Primary Sponsor's duty once the marriage has been completed, to provide the newly married couple with wisdom and support throughout their married life.
The duties of the Secondary Sponsors are much more specific and revolve around four particular areas and symbolic ceremonies through which they are known as: the coin sponsors; the veil sponsors; the cord sponsors; and the candle sponsors. In a modern-day ceremony these duties and roles are often fulfilled by the couples wedding attendants.
During the coin exchange ceremony, the coin sponsors present the traditional 13 coins of Unity to the bride and groom. Once symbolising the 12 apostles and Jesus, the coins once symbolized a couple's wealth and the ability of the groom to support his new bride, but today symbolize instead the 13 tenets of marriage including: love, harmony, cooperation, commitment, peace, happiness, trust, respect, caring, wisdom, joy, wholeness and nurturing.
Next comes the veil sponsors, who responsibility it is to drape a white veil over the shoulders and heads of the newly married couple to symbolize their union and their being "clothed as one" in unity.
Following them are the cord sponsors, who similarly place a knotted cord over the heads or hands of the couple as a symbol of the bond that has created one couple instead of two separate individuals.
The final sponsors are the candle sponsors, whose duty it is to light the candles on the altar which symbolizes the Light of Christ, as the same light they received at Baptism and now again receive as they begin their new life as a couple.
While many of Filipino descent who are not having a religious ceremony, will often pick and choose from the traditions of their culture. The symbolism and purity of the tradition makes them a wonderful addition to any ceremony regardless of culture.
Consider adopting some of the wedding traditions of the Philippines, and embrace those who have made a difference in your life.
©2009 Weddingstar Inc.
