George Boyle
The wedding cord is an important part of a couple's special day. Also known as the wedding lasso, it is a symbol of unity and love. There are different ways to incorporate cords into a wedding ceremony, such as the Cord of Three Strands, which is a Christian tradition, and the Filipino and Catholic unity veil ceremony. The type of cord used in a wedding ceremony can vary depending on the couple's preferences and cultural or religious influences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ceremony | Christian, Filipino, Handfasting (Celtic) |
| Cord colour | Purple, gold, white, or multicoloured |
| Cord material | Rope, ribbon, fabric, lace, silk, satin |
| Number of strands | 3 |
| Symbolism | Unity, love, protection, strength, endurance |
| Timing | After vows and ring exchange |
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What You'll Learn
The symbolism of a wedding cord
The wedding cord is a unity ceremony that has been growing in popularity. It is also known as the "Cord of Three Strands" or "God's Knot". The cord symbolises the union of two individuals with God in a marital bond. This ceremony is often performed after the exchange of wedding vows and rings. The three strands are braided together by the couple, symbolising their union with God at the centre of their marriage. The cord is often blessed by sponsors, symbolising their journey as one, seeking guidance and support from their mentors and God.
The wedding cord ceremony is commonly used in Christian weddings, with each colour of the cord holding a significant meaning. The colour white symbolises the bride, gold symbolises God, and purple symbolises the groom. The braid made from these three colours symbolises the strength of the relationship and the couple's commitment to each other. The braid is also symbolic of the couple's promise to submit to God and seek guidance from Him.
The handfasting cord is another wedding cord ceremony that is commonly part of a wedding but can also be performed during an engagement or vow renewal. The handfasting cord is a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric that is tied or wrapped around the couple's hands, symbolising their commitment to each other. This ceremony is not attached to any particular religion.
The candle, cord, and veil ceremony is an essential part of traditional Filipino weddings. The cord is usually made of silk, satin, or flowers, and it symbolises the couple's love, unity, and commitment. The sponsors or "ninongs" and "ninangs" bless the cord before placing it on the couple, symbolising their guidance and support.
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The Cord of Three Strands ceremony
The gold strand symbolises God and His majesty, representing the power of the Trinity and faith. It signifies that God is at the centre of the marriage, inviting Him into a position of authority in the relationship. The purple strand represents the groom and his life as a new creation in Christ. It symbolises the husband's love for his wife and his submission to the Lord, with the Lord demonstrating His great love in return. The white strand represents the bride and her life, symbolising her purity and salvation in Christ.
During the ceremony, the couple braids the three strands together into a single cord, demonstrating that their marriage is more than just the joining of two lives but also a unity with God. This act symbolises the strength and endurance of their marriage, reflecting the biblical passage from Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
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Handfasting cords
Handfasting ceremonies are most commonly part of a wedding but they can also happen at an engagement or vow renewal. In some parts of Scottish tradition, a handfasting marks the beginning of a one-year-and-one-day-long 'marriage probation'. Handfasting ceremonies can be conducted by an officiant in front of all wedding guests, or it can be a private occasion between two partners. There is no right or wrong way to perform the ceremony, and different officiants may have different approaches to the way they tie the rope or the words that are used. The couple usually either holds both hands crossed in front of each other or holds one opposite hand each (like shaking hands).
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Filipino wedding cord traditions
Filipino weddings are a blend of religious and cultural influences, including Catholic, Spanish, Chinese, and American elements. One of the most iconic and recognisable traditions in Filipino weddings is the veil and cord ritual, which symbolises unity, protection, and the bond of marriage. The veil, often made of lace or silk, is placed over the heads of the couple, symbolising their unity and the love that will surround them throughout their married life. The cord, usually made of silk or satin, is looped around the couple's shoulders in a figure-eight shape, symbolising their infinite bond of love and fidelity.
The veil and cord ceremony is often accompanied by the candle and coin rituals. The unity candle ceremony involves the lighting of three candles: one each for the couple, and a larger middle candle that they light together, symbolising their unity. The coin ceremony, also known as the "arras", involves the exchange of 13 coins, representing prosperity, unity, and the couple's shared responsibility.
The veil and cord ritual is steeped in symbolism and significance. The veil is seen as a protective mantle, symbolising the couple's union and their willingness to face life's challenges together with the support of their families and community. The cord, in the shape of a figure eight, represents the merging of two lives into one, with God as their foundation.
The choice of fabric for the veil and cord is also significant. The veil's fabric, often lace or silk, symbolises the endurance and beauty of a strong marriage, and is often passed down as an heirloom. The cord's fabric, typically silk or satin, adds to the ritual's symbolism of unity and love.
In a Filipino wedding, the veil and cord ceremony is performed by sponsors, who are typically chosen for their strong and enduring marriage. These sponsors are usually close friends or relatives of the couple, and they play a crucial role in the ceremony by holding the veil and placing the cord over the couple.
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The wedding lasso
The unity veil is a cherished tradition in Filipino weddings, bridging the past, present, and future. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and community, encapsulating the essence of what it means to embark on life's journey together. The veil is often made from durable and elegant material, such as lace or silk, symbolising the endurance and beauty of a strong marriage. Many Filipino families consider the unity veil an heirloom, passing it down through generations.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding cord is a piece of paraphernalia used in some Catholic wedding ceremonies, often in Hispanic countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, and Spain. It is a representation of a loop of rosary beads made out of white satin or silk. It is traditionally formed into a figure-eight shape and placed around the necks of the bride and groom after they have made their wedding vows. It symbolises unity, love, and protection.
One type of wedding cord ceremony is the Cord of Three Strands, which is a Christian marriage ritual representing the union of God, the groom, and the bride in the sacred covenant of marriage. Each strand of the cord can be a different colour, with each colour symbolising a different element of the marriage: purple for God, gold for the groom, and white for the bride. Another type of wedding cord ceremony is the Handfasting ceremony, which is an ancient Celtic practice of binding a couple's hands to express their commitment to each other. The cord used can be a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric, and the ceremony can be adapted to suit the couple's preferences.
The type of cord used for a wedding in May would depend on the type of wedding ceremony being conducted. For a Christian wedding, a Cord of Three Strands in purple, gold, and white could be used to symbolise God, the groom, and the bride. For a Filipino wedding, a white cord could be used as part of the Unity Veil ceremony, symbolising the intertwining of the bride and groom's lives.
