Using Regular Coins In Wedding Ceremonies: Is It Acceptable?

Coins have been used in wedding ceremonies across the world for centuries, with the tradition taking root in the 11th century. Coins are used in wedding ceremonies in the UK, Sweden, Lithuania, Spain, Poland, Latin America, and the Philippines. In Hispanic cultures, the tradition of exchangingsection> exchanging 13 gold coins, or 'las arras', is a staple of Catholicsection>section> weddings. The coins are blessed by a priest and exchanged by the couple, symbolising the groom'ssection>section>section>section> willingness to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.section>section> In other cultures, coins are inserted into a champagne cork, thrown on the dance floor, or given as gifts to guests.

Coins as gifts and good luck charms

Coins are often given as gifts or used as good luck charms. In many cultures, coins are exchanged during wedding ceremonies to symbolise the couple's shared commitment to providing for their future. In the UK, it is customary for the father of the bride to slip a silver sixpence into his daughter's shoe before she walks down the aisle, bringing good luck and prosperity.

In Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines, the tradition of exchanging 13 gold or silver coins, known as "arras" or "las arras matrimoniales", is a long-standing ritual in Catholic wedding ceremonies. The coins are presented to the bride by the groom as a symbol of his promise to provide for their family. This custom is believed to have originated in the 11th century when 13 pennies were exchanged during Frankish marriage ceremonies.

Coins are also used as good luck charms in other cultures. For example, Chinese Feng Shui coins, also known as Five Emperor Money, are often placed in homes or carried as amulets to attract wealth, luck, and prosperity. Similarly, lucky coins are popular gifts for friends and relatives in many cultures, believed to bring good fortune to the recipient.

Coins are a versatile symbol that can be incorporated into various traditions and rituals, making them a timeless and meaningful gift or charm.

Coin rituals in Catholic weddings

Coins have long been used in wedding ceremonies across different cultures and countries. In the context of Catholic weddings, coins are often used in rituals that are meant to symbolise unity, prosperity, commitment, and support. Here are some paragraphs detailing coin rituals in Catholic weddings:

The History and Meaning of Las Arras Matrimoniales

Las Arras Matrimoniales, or wedding coins, is a traditional ritual with roots in the Catholic faith. It is commonly performed at Catholic weddings in Spain, across Latin America, and in other Hispanic cultures worldwide. Las Arras Matrimoniales typically consists of 13 coins, often gifted by los padrinos y madrinas, or wedding godparents. After the blessing and exchange of rings, the priest blesses these coins, and the groom presents them to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to care for her and their future together.

Symbolism of the 13 Coins

Historically, the 13 coins represented the groom's promise to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so. In modern times, the ritual is often adapted to symbolise the couple's equal commitment to sharing and managing their finances together. The 12 gold coins can represent the 12 apostles, the 12 months of the year, or prosperity for the newlyweds. The 13th coin, usually platinum, symbolises overabundance and the couple's willingness to give back to those less fortunate.

The Las Arras Matrimoniales Ceremony

The presentation of the coins typically occurs after the blessing and exchange of rings. The priest blesses the coins and passes them to the groom, who then offers them to the bride. In modern iterations of this ritual, couples may choose to exchange the coins back and forth, symbolising their shared commitment to providing for each other. They may also voice promises such as, "All that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine."

Ethnic Catholic Wedding Traditions

The blessing and giving of coins is a common tradition in Hispanic Catholic weddings. Other ethnic Catholic wedding traditions include the lasso ceremony in Filipino weddings, honouring ancestors in Vietnamese weddings, and wearing clan colours in Celtic weddings. These customs hold deep meaning for families, and the Catholic Church invites couples to include them in their ceremonies if they do not conflict with a Christian understanding of marriage.

Coins in non-religious weddings

Coins have long been used in wedding ceremonies across the world, and are often associated with bringing good fortune and prosperity to the newlyweds. Coins are often exchanged or gifted during the wedding ceremony, and can be incorporated in a variety of ways.

While the exchange of coins is a common feature of religious weddings, particularly Catholic ceremonies, it can also be adapted for non-religious weddings. The tradition of exchanging coins, or 'las arras', is a symbolic gesture that can be incorporated into non-secular weddings as a unity ritual.

In a non-religious context, the exchange of coins can represent a couple's shared commitment to providing for their future and managing their finances together. It is a way to symbolise unity, prosperity, commitment, and mutual support.

For example, in a modern Filipino non-religious wedding ceremony, an honoured guest may serve as a coin bearer, presenting the coins to the couple as a pledge of their commitment to sharing their blessings with each other and their community. The couple then exchanges the coins, each promising to support the other financially.

In a non-religious setting, the couple may choose to adapt the traditional words spoken during the coin exchange. For instance, instead of the traditional "all that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine", the couple may opt for more personalised promises that reflect their values and commitment to each other.

The number of coins used in the ceremony can vary, but traditionally, 13 coins are used to represent the 12 months of the year and the thirteenth coin symbolising abundance and a commitment to giving back to those less fortunate. These coins are often presented in a decorative box, pouch, or tray.

The use of coins in non-religious weddings is a meaningful way to incorporate cultural traditions and symbolism into the ceremony, creating a unique and personalised celebration of the couple's love and commitment.

Coin-themed wedding favours

Coins have long been associated with wedding traditions across the world, from the UK to Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The act of exchanging coins during a wedding ceremony is often seen as a symbol of good fortune, unity, and prosperity. So, what better way to honour this tradition than with coin-themed wedding favours? Here are some unique ideas to delight your guests:

Personalised Chocolate Coins

Add a sweet touch to your wedding with customised chocolate coins. Chocomize offers a range of foil colours, including gold, silver, pink, and purple, to match your wedding theme. You can also choose from milk, dark, or dark chocolate with mint flavour. Send your artwork or logo, and they will create detailed embossing on both sides of the coin. With a minimum order of 300 units and a setup fee of $49, these chocolate coins are a tasty treat for your guests.

Customised Brass or Silver Coins

Etsy offers a variety of customised brass or silver coins that make unique wedding favours. You can send photographs of the couple, venue, or anything that captures the essence of your special day, and they will create a few design visuals for you to choose from. These coins come in clear protective plastic capsules, but you can also opt for display options like easel stands, organza bags, gift boxes, or floating frames. With a delivery time of 12 to 15 weeks, these personalised coins are a timeless memento for your guests.

Sixpence Coins

Carry on the British tradition of slipping a silver sixpence into the bride's shoe by gifting your guests with sixpence coins. These lucky coins, dating from 1928 to 1969, can be a charming keepsake for your guests, reminding them of your wedding day. You can find these coins on Etsy, where sellers offer a range of years to choose from.

Wedding Arras Coins

If you're looking for a more traditional option, consider giving your guests wedding arras coins. These 13 coins, usually 12 gold and one platinum or silver, are presented in ornate boxes, chests, or pouches. In some cultures, these coins are exchanged between the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, symbolising their commitment to sharing their wealth and managing finances together. Even if you don't include the ritual in your ceremony, these coins can be a meaningful favour for your guests, representing unity and prosperity.

Whether you choose chocolate, brass, silver, or even lucky sixpence coins, coin-themed wedding favours are a unique way to incorporate this timeless tradition into your special day. With a range of customisation options, you can create favours that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Coins as symbols of unity

Coins have been used in wedding ceremonies across the world for centuries, with the tradition taking root in the 11th century. Coins are often used as symbols of unity in wedding ceremonies, with the couple exchanging coins to symbolise their shared commitment to providing for their future together.

The exchange of coins during a wedding ceremony is a tradition that has been passed down through many generations, particularly within Hispanic, Filipino, and Catholic cultures. In these traditions, the couple exchanges 13 coins, usually made of gold or silver, to symbolise their promise to share their worldly goods and provide for each other in their marriage. This ritual is often known as "las arras" or "las arras matrimoniales" and is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the couple.

The coins are typically presented by the wedding godparents or sponsors, who play an important role in the ceremony and work with the couple to select the coins. The coins may be authentic gold and platinum, or simply gold-plated and silver-plated, depending on the couple's preference. The coins are then blessed by a priest or officiant before being exchanged by the couple.

During the exchange, the couple may say vows such as "all that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine," symbolising their unity and shared commitment. The coins may be passed back and forth between the couple, or the groom may offer the coins to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to care for her and their home. This tradition is a modern twist on the historical practice of providing a dowry.

After the ceremony, the couple may choose to display the coins in their home, along with other sentimental items from their wedding day. This serves as a reminder of their unity and shared promise.

In addition to the Hispanic and Filipino cultures, the use of coins in wedding ceremonies is also seen in other parts of the world. For example, in Poland, guests throw coins over the married couple as they leave the ceremony, symbolising their newfound unity. In Lithuania, guests throw silver dollars, half dollars, and quarters onto the dance floor, and the newlyweds collect these coins together, also symbolising their unity.

Frequently asked questions