Deborah Chan
Filipino weddings are a combination of Christian ceremonies and superstitions influenced by the country's history of Spanish colonisation and its diverse culture. One such superstition is that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony, or for the bride to wear her wedding dress before the big day. This tradition dates back to the time of arranged marriages, when grooms could call off the wedding if they didn't find their bride attractive. While some modern couples choose to ignore this superstition, others still choose to follow it, leaving the groom to be surprised by the bride's dress on the wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bride seeing groom before the wedding | Bad luck |
| Bride trying on wedding dress before the wedding | Bad luck |
| Bride wearing pearls | Bad luck |
| Groom arriving at the church after the bride | Bad luck |
| Dropping the wedding ring | Bad luck, a sign that someone in the family will die soon |
| Bride arriving at the ceremony before the groom | Bad luck |
| Sisters marrying in the same year | Bad luck |
| Giving sharp objects as a wedding gift | Bad luck |
| Rain on the wedding day | Good luck |
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What You'll Learn
Brides shouldn't try on their wedding dress before the big day
Filipino weddings are a combination of Christian ceremonies and superstitions influenced by the country's diverse culture and history of colonisation. One such superstition is that brides shouldn't try on their wedding dress before the big day, as it is believed to bring bad luck.
This superstition dates back to a time when arranged marriages were common. Marriages were arranged by families, and the couple would only meet after everything had been agreed upon. However, some men would change their minds after seeing their bride-to-be, leaving her and her family embarrassed and disappointed. To avoid this, families would prevent the groom from seeing the bride before the wedding, and this tradition evolved to include the bride's wedding dress.
In modern times, some brides still choose to follow this superstition, believing that trying on the final wedding gown before the wedding will bring bad luck or even cause the wedding to be cancelled. Some brides take this superstition so seriously that they have their final measurements taken one to two weeks before the wedding and ensure they do not gain or lose weight to avoid trying on the dress beforehand.
While some may consider this superstition outdated, it is still practised by many in the Philippines and other cultures. For some brides, the belief in this superstition may stem from a desire to maintain tradition or to appease older, more traditional family members. Ultimately, whether or not to follow this superstition is a personal choice for the bride, and some may choose to prioritise practicality or the desire for their partner's reassurance over the fear of bad luck.
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Brides shouldn't wear pearls
Filipino weddings are a combination of Christian ceremonies dotted with superstitions and folklore. There are many superstitions associated with Filipino weddings, such as the belief that it is bad luck for the bride to try on her wedding gown before the wedding day. Another superstition is that sharp objects should never be given to the couple as a wedding gift.
Now, onto the topic of brides not wearing pearls. Pearls are a popular choice for wedding jewellery, as they are believed to symbolise purity, innocence, wisdom, and beauty. However, some superstitions surrounding pearls may deter brides from wearing them on their wedding day. Here are some reasons why brides might choose to avoid wearing pearls:
- Ancient Superstitions: In some ancient societies, pearls were believed to bring bad luck. One legend associates pearls with the tears of angels, gathered by oysters and transformed into solid form. While ancient Greeks held the belief that pearls promoted a marriage free from sorrow, acting as preventers of tears to ensure a happy and tear-free marriage.
- Cultural Beliefs and Traditions: Pearls may have different meanings and interpretations across various cultures. It is essential to respect the couple's cultural backgrounds and traditions. For example, if the bride or groom has specific beliefs or customs that associate pearls with bad luck, it would be respectful to avoid wearing them.
- Personal Preferences and Superstitions: Some brides may have personal superstitions or beliefs about pearls. They might prefer not to "tempt" fate on their wedding day and choose alternative jewellery to avoid any perceived bad luck associated with pearls.
- Balancing the Overall Look: A bride's jewellery should complement and balance her wedding dress. If a wedding dress is ornate or has many decorative elements, minimal jewellery with smaller pearls might be suggested. In such cases, opting for other types of jewellery can help achieve a more understated and balanced look.
- Respecting the Bride's Wishes: If the bride has specifically requested that the wedding party avoid wearing pearls, it is respectful to honour her wishes. As a guest, it is essential to consider the bride's preferences and comfort, even if you don't personally believe in the superstitions associated with pearls.
While pearls are a popular choice for wedding guests, mothers of the bride, and bridesmaids, it is essential to be mindful of the couple's cultural beliefs and the bride's preferences when incorporating pearls into your wedding attire.
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The groom must arrive at the church before the bride
In Filipino weddings, the groom must arrive at the church before the bride to avoid bad luck. This superstition dates back to a time when marriages were arranged, and grooms would sometimes refuse to marry the bride if they did not find her attractive. By arriving at the church first, the groom ensures that he does not see the bride before the ceremony, thus preventing any potential last-minute changes of heart. This belief is still practised today, along with other Filipino wedding traditions and superstitions.
One such superstition is that it is bad luck for the bride to wear her complete wedding outfit before the wedding day. This includes not only the dress but also the jewellery. Brides are advised to avoid wearing pearls, as superstition dictates that pearls symbolise sadness and will bring misery to the marriage. Instead, the bride might wear the traditional Filipiniana, a two-piece dress with large butterfly sleeves, or a modern white gown with smaller butterfly sleeves to represent the fusion of Filipino tradition and Western culture.
Another superstition suggests that sharp objects should never be given to the couple as a wedding gift, as they symbolise a severing of the relationship. Similarly, giving a clock as a present is considered unlucky, as it implies that the giver is waiting for the couple to die. On the other hand, rain on the wedding day is considered a sign of good fortune and wealth, and an arinola (chamber pot) is believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds.
Filipino weddings are heavily influenced by Catholicism and the country's diverse cultural heritage. While some modern couples may choose to forego certain superstitions, many still choose to incorporate these beliefs to respect their traditions and appease their older relatives.
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Sisters shouldn't marry in the same year
In Filipino culture, superstitions are an integral part of weddings, with beliefs such as rain being a sign of good fortune, and the bride walking ahead of the groom to prevent being dominated in the marriage. One such superstition is that it is bad luck for sisters to marry in the same year, known as "sukob". This belief states that the marital luck will be split between the sisters, reducing their fortune.
However, this superstition is not unique to Filipino culture, and has been referenced by people of other backgrounds, including Greek Orthodox. Some individuals have expressed concern over this superstition, worrying about the potential for bad luck.
Despite this, many have dismissed the idea, stating that it will have no impact on their relationships or the effort put into their marriages. Some even view it as a positive, allowing sisters to share in the excitement of wedding planning and resulting in close-aged cousins for any future children.
For those concerned about the potential bad luck, there is a suggested solution. By muttering the incantation, "I will not let my life be guided by superstitious nonsense" during the wedding reception, the curse is believed to be broken. Additionally, marrying close to a full moon is considered ideal as the demon spirit responsible for the curse, Smuki, is thought to be more easily appeased during this period.
While there are no set rules on how far apart siblings should marry, it is considerate to ensure that weddings are spaced out, especially if there is a large overlap of guests. This allows each couple to have their own moment in the spotlight and ensures that guests do not have to choose between events. Ultimately, open communication and consideration for all parties involved are key to navigating this situation successfully.
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Sharp objects should not be given to the couple
Filipino weddings are a combination of Christian ceremonies dotted with superstitions and folklore. There are many superstitions and traditions that are followed in Filipino weddings, such as the blessing of rice grains, the taking of blood, and the symbolic joining of the couple by cord.
One such superstition is that sharp objects should never be given to the couple. It is considered bad luck to gift the bride and groom sharp objects like knives and scissors. This superstition is still prevalent in modern Filipino culture.
Filipino weddings are heavily influenced by Catholicism, especially after the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines in the 18th century. The native wedding was a three-day event, even before the Spaniards arrived, and was officiated by a babaylan, a tribal priest or priestess. The priest would bless the couple, whose hands were joined over a container of uncooked rice. On the second day, the priest would prick the couple's chests to draw blood, which would be collected and mixed with water for the couple to drink.
Other Filipino wedding superstitions include the belief that the bride should walk ahead of the groom or step on his foot to prevent being dominated by him throughout the marriage. It is also considered bad luck for the bride to wear her wedding dress before the wedding day. Rain on the wedding day is considered a good omen, representing good luck and wealth.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding ceremony. This tradition dates back to the time when arranged marriages were common, and grooms would back out at the last minute if they did not find their bride attractive.
It is believed that rain on your wedding day brings good luck and wealth. Another superstition is that the bride should walk ahead of the groom after the ceremony or step on his foot to prevent being dominated by him during their marriage.
Yes, it is considered bad luck for the bride to wear her wedding dress before the wedding day. Some even believe that wearing the final gown during a dress fitting means the wedding will be cancelled.
Yes, wearing pearls on your wedding day is considered bad luck and will bring sadness to your married life. This is because pearls are believed to be the tears of oysters.
Yes, there are plenty of other Filipino wedding traditions and superstitions due to the country's diverse culture and history. Some other beliefs include:
- It is bad luck for the bride to arrive at the ceremony before the groom.
- It is bad luck to give sharp objects like knives or scissors as a wedding gift.
- It is bad luck to drop the wedding ring during the ceremony.
