Rhiannon Hendricks
Filipino weddings are a vibrant fusion of modern and historic customs, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. With over 7,000 islands and a diverse range of people and customs, there is no one pattern for a Filipino wedding. However, they are generally a celebration of two families coming together rather than just the union of two individuals. The strong family influence is evident in traditions such as the Pamamanhikan, where the groom and his family formally ask the bride's family for her hand in marriage, and the exchange of gifts or dowries, symbolising the joining of wealth and the establishment of a new household. Filipino weddings also incorporate rituals and superstitions, such as the blessing of rice grains, the unity candle ceremony, and the exchange of 13 coins, which signify the couple's commitment to mutual support and prosperity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diversity of Filipino weddings | There is no one pattern for a Filipino wedding due to the country's diverse range of people and customs. |
| Fusion of customs | Filipino weddings are a vibrant fusion of modern and historic, traditional and Western, Christian and indigenous customs. |
| Celebration of two families | Filipino weddings are a celebration of two families coming together, rather than just the two individuals. |
| Role of family and godparents | Filipino weddings place a strong emphasis on the role of family and godparents, who act as sponsors and mentors to the couple. |
| Pre-wedding rituals | Several pre-wedding rituals take place, such as the Pamamanhikan, where the groom and his family formally ask for the bride's hand in marriage, and the despedida de soltera, a combined family bachelorette party. |
| Wedding attire | Traditional Filipino wedding dresses are often two-piece with large butterfly sleeves, vibrant colours, and intricate embroidery. Modern dresses have evolved into elegant white gowns with smaller butterfly sleeves and embroidery. Male family members typically wear the Barong, a traditional embroidered shirt. |
| Wedding rituals | Filipino weddings include rituals such as candle lighting, coin blessing, veiling, and the tying of a cord around the couple. |
| Superstitions | Filipino weddings have various superstitions, such as the sukob superstition, which states that sisters should not marry in the same year. Other superstitions include beliefs about wedding rings, the veil, and the 13 coins. |
| Food and dessert | Filipino weddings often feature traditional dishes such as lechon, longganisa, pancit, sapin-sapin, ube, and bibingka. |
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What You'll Learn
Filipino weddings are an impressive fusion of modern and historic customs
Filipino weddings are a vibrant fusion of modern and historic customs, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. With a diverse range of people and customs spread across over 7,000 islands, there is no one pattern for a Filipino wedding.
Filipino weddings are not just about the union of two individuals but also about celebrating the coming together of two families. One notable tradition is the "Pamamanhikan", where the groom and his family formally ask for the bride's hand in marriage from her family. This meeting allows both families to discuss wedding plans and exchange gifts or dowries, symbolising the merging of two families. For LGBTQ+ and modern couples, the Pamamanhikan can be a party to celebrate the union of the couple and their families.
Another important aspect of Filipino weddings is the strong family influence and the role of godparents or "Ninongs" and "Ninangs". These individuals are not just sponsors but also mentors to the couple, offering guidance and support in their marital journey. Their presence in the ceremony signifies the community's support for the union.
Filipino weddings also incorporate various rituals and superstitions. One such ritual is the exchange of 13 coins, known as the Arras or Arrhae, symbolising the couple's commitment to mutual support and prosperity. The candle ceremony involves lighting a pair of candles, one on each side of the bride and groom, symbolising the presence of God blessing the marriage. The veiling ceremony, where a large veil is draped over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder, represents humility and God's assistance in their marriage.
Filipino weddings also showcase the country's delicious cuisine. While there is no set menu, traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon, longganisa, and kaldereta are often served, along with colourful desserts like sapin-sapin, ube, and bibingka.
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The strong family influence
Filipino weddings are a vibrant fusion of traditional customs and modern influences, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to a diverse range of people and customs, resulting in a variety of wedding traditions. However, one common theme is the strong emphasis on family.
Filipino weddings are not just about the union of two individuals but also about celebrating the coming together of two families. This is exemplified by the Pamamanhikan tradition, where the groom and his family formally ask the bride's family for her hand in marriage. This meeting allows both families to discuss wedding plans and symbolises the merging of the two families. It is considered the first official step in a Filipino wedding and often involves the exchange of symbolic items, dowry, and a small feast.
The importance of family is further highlighted by the inclusion of godparents, known as "Ninongs" and "Ninangs," who are not just sponsors but also mentors to the couple. Their presence in the ceremony signifies the community's support for the union. Filipino weddings also often include the participation of family members in rituals such as the lighting of wedding candles, the veiling ceremony, and the exchange of coins.
The wedding reception is another aspect where family plays a significant role. Family and friends join the newlyweds for a night of emotional speeches, delicious food, and memorable celebrations. The reception venue may be decorated with personal and family mementos, emphasising the importance of family in the couple's life and heritage.
In conclusion, Filipino weddings are not just symbolic but also deeply rooted in family traditions and values. The strong family influence is a key aspect of Filipino weddings, reflecting the communal nature of marriage and the importance of celebrating the union of two families, as well as two individuals.
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Superstitions and folklore
Filipino weddings are a combination of Christian ceremonies and superstitions influenced by indigenous folklore, Spanish colonisation, and Catholicism. The country's 7,000 islands are home to a diverse range of people and customs, resulting in a variety of wedding traditions and superstitions. Here are some of the most common superstitions and folklore beliefs that are part of Filipino weddings:
Sukob
"Sukob", which means "huddling" or "sharing cover", is a Filipino wedding superstition that siblings shouldn't marry in the same year. It is believed that doing so will bring bad luck, and the marriage luck meant for each sibling will be divided between them.
Rain on the Wedding Day
In the Philippines, rain on your wedding day is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Couples offer eggs to Sta. Clara or St. Claire to pray for a rain-free wedding day. However, if it does rain, it is believed to bring marital bliss and prosperity.
Pearls
According to Filipino superstition, wearing pearls on your wedding day is considered bad luck as they are believed to be the "tears of oysters", symbolising sadness and tears in a marriage.
Dropping the Wedding Ring
Dropping the wedding ring during the ceremony is considered bad luck and is even said to be a sign that someone in the family will die soon. To avoid this, some couples have a ring guardian to keep the ring safe until the vows are exchanged.
Sweeping the Feet
It is believed that if the bride sweeps her feet off the ground while walking to the altar, she will sweep away her luck. Therefore, the bride is advised to watch her steps and avoid sweeping her feet.
Candles
In Filipino weddings, sponsors light a pair of candles, one on each side of the bride and groom. This Christian practice has been incorporated into Filipino culture with a twist. The superstition says that if one of the candles blows out during the rite, the person beside it will die before their spouse.
These superstitions and folklore beliefs are an integral part of Filipino wedding traditions, adding a layer of intrigue and mystique to the celebrations. While some may choose to follow these beliefs, others may simply find them entertaining and a way to cope with any unforeseen mishaps during the big day.
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The role of sponsors
Filipino weddings are a fusion of modern and historic customs, with no one pattern due to the diverse range of people and customs in the Philippines. Weddings in the Philippines are heavily influenced by Catholicism, with roughly 80% of Filipinos being Catholic.
In any Filipino wedding, sponsors play a key role in supporting the couple on their wedding day and beyond. Sponsors are trusted members of the couple's social circle, often older couples who the newlyweds can look to for advice and guidance. They are usually chosen for the values they embody and their perspective on marriage.
There are two primary sponsors and two secondary sponsors per ceremony element, excluding the one coin bearer. However, the number of sponsors can vary, and sponsors can perform double duty. The primary sponsors march behind the groom, followed by the secondary sponsors. The primary sponsors act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage contract or certificate. They are introduced as "to stand as witnesses to our vows". The secondary sponsors have varied roles, with three types: candle sponsors, veil sponsors, and cord sponsors. The candle sponsors light the wedding candles, the veil sponsors drape the veil over the bride and groom's shoulders, and the cord sponsors place a knotted cord over the couple's heads. The candle, veil, and cord each have their own significance in the ceremony.
The sponsors are also involved in the money dance, a tradition in many cultures where the couple's first dance is accompanied by guests pinning money on them. The sponsors also participate in the bidding for the sticky rice cakes, dropping money into a bowl on the table.
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The importance of food
Filipino weddings are a fusion of modern and historic customs, with no single template due to the diverse range of people and customs across the 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines. While many weddings are large and follow traditional conventions, others are smaller, intimate, and non-denominational.
Food is an important part of Filipino weddings, with guests remembering the experience long after. Although there is no set menu, Filipino caterers typically offer dishes like lechon (roast pig), longganisa, kaldereta, and adobo. The presence of rice, a sacred crop in the Philippines, is also essential. It is served in mounds, with garlic and brown rice options, to accompany the main dishes.
The wedding preparations, which take place a day before, are centered around the Filipino concept of bayanihan, where family and community members come together to cook the wedding dishes. Some prepare special sticky rice cakes using specific wooden spoons and placements, while others hold metropolitan rehearsal dinners.
Filipino weddings also include symbolic food items. For instance, the couple is served sticky rice cakes to symbolize "sticking together" through their married life. They are then given a pile of rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves, which are bid off to guests by a chosen bidder, usually a favourite aunt or friend. The bidder encourages guests to drop money into a bowl on the table, while the newlyweds give away packs of wrapped rice cakes in return.
The wedding reception is dedicated to celebrating the new couple, with family and friends joining them for emotional speeches, delicious food, and infinite memories.
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Frequently asked questions
Filipino weddings are a fusion of modern and historic customs, with a strong family influence. They are a celebration of two families coming together, rather than just the two individuals. There is no one pattern for a Filipino wedding, as the country is made up of over 7,000 islands that are home to a diverse range of people and customs.
Some Filipino wedding traditions include the unity candle, parental blessings, and the Pangalay. Other traditions include the couple asking for blessings from their parents by kissing their hands or touching their parents' hands to their foreheads, and the couple exiting the venue showered with rice grains or flower petals, symbolising blessings and prosperity for their future.
Sponsors play a symbolic role in Filipino weddings. They are responsible for performing the three traditional rituals: the veil, the candle, and the cord ceremony. The first sponsor, or coin sponsor, gives the groom 13 pieces of gold or silver coins as a promise that he can look after the bride and their future children.
Filipino wedding superstitions include the sukob superstition, which states that sisters should not marry in the same year, as their marital luck will be split. Another superstition is that a bride should never try on her wedding gown just for the sake of it, as it is considered bad luck.
