Franklin Dean
The tradition of using 13 coins in a wedding is usually associated with Hispanic families and Christian wedding ceremonies in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The 13 coins, or arras, are presented by the groom to the bride, symbolising his willingness to support her and his trust in her. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her trust in him and her dedication to looking after his possessions. The 13 coins are also said to represent 12 apostles and Christ, the 12 months of the year, and the honeymoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Religion | Christian |
| Culture | Hispanic, Latin American, Filipino |
| Number of coins | 13 |
| Coin material | Gold, silver |
| Container | Box, chest, pouch, tray, basket, velvet drawstring bag |
| Who gives the coins | Groom |
| Who receives the coins | Bride |
| Who blesses the coins | Priest |
| Who purchases the coins | Padrinos (Godparents) |
| What the coins represent | Christ and his 12 apostles, the 12 months of the year and the poor, the groom's willingness to support the bride, the bride's trust in the groom |
| Number symbolism | 12 apostles and Christ, 12 months of the year, honeymoon |
| Coin exchange | Shared responsibility of managing household finances and the sacrifices that might entail |
| Coin ceremony | Groom presents the coins to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to care for her and their home |
What You'll Learn
The groom's pledge to provide for his family
The tradition of presenting 13 coins, also known as "las arras matrimoniales" or "arrhae", during a wedding ceremony is especially popular in Catholic or Christian ceremonies and is associated with Hispanic, Filipino, and Latino cultures. The groom's act of presenting the coins to the bride symbolises his pledge to provide for his new family and signifies his willingness to support and care for her.
The custom of the groom giving 13 coins to the bride during the wedding ceremony holds a deep meaning and significance. Firstly, it represents the groom's pledge to provide for his family. This includes recognising his responsibility as the provider and caregiver, and pledging his ability to support and care for his wife and future children. By accepting the coins, the bride symbolises her trust in the groom and her dedication to managing their shared resources with prudence and responsibility.
The tradition of using 13 coins holds symbolic value. The number 13 is often associated with Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles. Alternatively, it can represent the 12 lunar cycles or months of the year, with the thirteenth coin symbolising the couple's honeymoon or charity for the poor.
The presentation of the coins during the wedding ceremony is a solemn ritual. The coins are typically presented by the groom to the bride after being blessed by a priest or minister. The coins are usually made of gold or silver and are placed in an ornate box, pouch, or tray. In some traditions, the coins are handed to the groom by the minister, who then pours them into the bride's cupped hands, symbolising their unity and shared blessings.
The exchange of coins during the wedding ceremony is a powerful symbol of the groom's pledge to provide for his new family. It signifies his commitment to support and care for his wife, as well as his trust in her ability to manage their shared resources wisely. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her trust in the groom and her dedication to their mutual prosperity.
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The bride's trust in the groom's ability to provide
The tradition of exchanging 13 coins during a wedding ceremony is often associated with Hispanic weddings and originated in Spain. The groom gives the bride these coins to symbolise his willingness and pledge to support her and their home, and his trust in her with his material possessions. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her trust in her soon-to-be husband's ability to provide, as well as her dedication and responsibility in looking after their shared wealth.
The 13 coins are often gifted by the wedding godparents and are presented in an ornate box, chest, or velvet drawstring bag. The groom typically offers the box to the bride as a symbol of his commitment and trust, signifying that he is sharing his wealth with her. The bride's acceptance of the coins indicates that she takes on the responsibility of keeping their money safe and maintaining their household.
The number 13 is significant, with the coins representing the 12 apostles and Christ, or the 12 lunar cycles of a year with the thirteenth coin symbolising the couple's honeymoon. The coins may also represent 13 values that the couple wishes to embody in their marriage, such as love, harmony, cooperation, commitment, peace, happiness, trust, respect, caring, wisdom, joy, wholeness, and nurturing.
The exchange of coins is a symbolic gesture that reinforces the couple's mutual love, fidelity, and trust. It signifies the groom's promise to provide and care for his family, and the bride's trust and confidence in his ability to do so. This tradition adds a layer of depth and meaning to the wedding ceremony, reflecting the couple's commitment to supporting and caring for each other financially and emotionally.
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The groom's trust in the bride's financial prudence
The tradition of exchanging 13 coins during a wedding ceremony is often associated with Hispanic and Filipino families. The groom gives the bride these coins, which are usually made of gold or silver, to symbolise his trust in her financial prudence and her dedication to looking after their material possessions.
The tradition, known as "las arras" or "las arras matrimoniales" in Spanish, has its origins in Spain and Latin America, although it is now observed in various parts of the world. The number 13 is significant as it represents Christ and his 12 apostles, as well as the 12 lunar cycles of a year and the couple's honeymoon.
The coins are typically presented in an ornate box, chest, pouch, or tray, and they become a part of the family heirloom. The groom's act of giving the coins to the bride symbolises his willingness to support her financially and his trust in her ability to manage their shared wealth.
The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her dedication and responsibility in looking after their shared finances. This exchange is a way for the couple to pledge their mutual love, fidelity, and trust, as well as their commitment to supporting and caring for each other.
The specific wording that accompanies the exchange of coins may vary, but it often includes vows such as:
> I, [Groom], give you [Bride], these 13 coins as a symbol of my unquestionable trust and confidence I place in you as my beloved wife. As we unite our lives today, I share all material responsibility with you.
>
> I, [Bride], accept these coins and assure you of my total love and dedication in looking after you, your possessions, and my unconditional love.
The 13 coins ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolise the couple's unity, prosperity, commitment, and mutual support. It is a cherished tradition that adds depth and cultural richness to the wedding ceremony, honouring the couple's heritage and faith.
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The coins as a symbol of Christ and his 12 apostles
The 13 coins in a wedding ceremony are often said to represent Christ and his 12 apostles. This Christian tradition is usually associated with Hispanic families and originated in Spain, though it is also practised in Latin America, the Philippines, and other countries with Hispanic influence. The ceremony is also known as 'Las arras' or 'las arras matrimoniales' in Spanish, which translates to 'wedding tokens' or 'unity coins' in English.
The 13 coins, usually made of gold or silver, are presented by the groom to the bride, signifying his willingness and pledge to support her financially. This act symbolises the groom's recognition of his responsibility as a provider and his trust in the bride with his material possessions. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her dedication and responsibility in looking after these possessions.
The coins are typically presented in an ornate box, chest, pouch, or tray and are blessed by a priest before being given to the bride. This custom can be traced back to ancient Roman traditions, where gold or silver would be broken in half, with one half kept by each person as a pledge of marriage.
The number 13 holds significant meaning in this ceremony, representing Christ and his 12 apostles. This symbolism is in line with the Christian faith, where the lives and stories of the apostles inspire believers to follow in the footsteps of Christ, imitating him as the apostles did.
The specific coins used in the ceremony vary, with some sources suggesting gold coins, while others mention silver. The coins can be chosen by the couple to represent different values they wish to share, such as love, harmony, commitment, peace, and trust.
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The coins as a symbol of the 12 lunar cycles of a year
The 13 coins presented in a wedding ceremony are often gold and are associated with Hispanic families and Christian weddings in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The tradition is also observed in other countries and communities influenced by Hispanic customs.
The 13 coins are said to represent Christ and his 12 apostles, with the 12 coins symbolising the 12 lunar cycles of a year and the 13th coin representing the couple's honeymoon. The lunar cycle is a calendar system based on the 12 cycles of the moon in a year, with each year associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac include the dragon, rabbit, tiger, ox, rat, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
The 13 coins also symbolise the groom's pledge to provide for and support his bride, with the bride's acceptance of the coins signifying her dedication and responsibility in caring for their mutual possessions. The coins are often presented in ornate boxes, trays, or pouches and become a part of the family heirloom.
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Frequently asked questions
The 13 coins, or arras, are wedding tokens used in Christian wedding ceremonies in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.
The 13 coins are presented by the groom to the bride to symbolise his willingness to support her and trust in her. The bride's acceptance symbolises her trust in him.
The 13 coins represent the 12 apostles and Christ. They also represent the 12 lunar cycles of a year, with the 13th coin symbolising the couple's honeymoon.
The tradition of using coins in weddings can be traced back to ancient Rome, where gold or silver would be broken in half and shared between the bride and groom as a pledge of marriage. The 13 coins tradition specifically originated in Spain and was spread to other countries by Spanish conquerors.
The coins are presented to the couple by a family member or friend. They are then blessed by a priest before being given to the groom, who places them in the bride's hands. The couple may exchange vows or words to symbolise their commitment to each other and their future together.
