The True Meaning Of The Arras In Catholic Weddings

Arras, or las arras matrimoniales, is a wedding tradition that is rooted in Catholic and Christian ceremonies, particularly in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The tradition involves the exchange of 13 coins, usually gifted by the groom to the bride, as a symbol of his commitment to provide and care for her and their future together. The coins are blessed by a priest during the ceremony and are often presented in an ornate box, chest, or pouch. The word arras in Spanish means earnest money, representing the groom's promise to support his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.

The groom's pledge to provide for his family

The Catholic wedding ceremony is steeped in tradition and ritual, with one of the most well-known being 'Las Arras' or 'Las Arras Matrimoniales'. This custom involves the exchange of 13 coins, usually made of gold, between the groom and bride. The ritual originates from Spain and Latin America, but it has also been adopted in the Philippines and other Hispanic cultures.

The number 13 is significant as it represents the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ, with 12 coins standing for the 12 months of the year and prosperity. The final 13th coin is a reminder to give back to those less fortunate. The coins are usually presented in an ornate box, chest, or pouch, and the ritual is often performed after the exchange of rings.

In modern times, the ritual has evolved to represent the couple's equal commitment to providing for their shared future. During more contemporary ceremonies, couples may pass the coins back and forth, each pledging to financially support one another and their new family. This adaptation symbolises the unity and shared responsibility of managing household finances, marking a shift from the traditional dynamic of the groom as the sole provider.

The Las Arras ritual is a beautiful way to incorporate cultural heritage and wish for prosperity during a Catholic wedding ceremony, adapting to modern interpretations while honouring long-standing traditions.

The bride's trust in the groom's pledge

The Catholic wedding tradition of 'Aras' or 'Las Arras Matrimoniales' is a ritual that has been passed down for generations in Hispanic culture. The word 'arras' in Spanish means 'earnest money', referring to the groom's pledge to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.

The ritual involves the exchange of 13 coins, 12 gold and one platinum, presented in an ornate box, chest, or pouch. The coins are blessed by a priest and then given by the groom to the bride. This exchange symbolises the groom's pledge to care for and provide for his bride and their future family, and the bride's trust and acceptance of this promise.

In modern times, this tradition has evolved to represent the couple's equal commitment to providing for their shared future. The coins can be seen as a symbol of their unity and mutual trust, love, and dedication to building a prosperous life together. The ritual also serves as a reminder of their new sacramental role in the community, as they become a sign of God's love, especially for those in need.

The number 13 has multiple meanings: 12 coins represent the 12 apostles and the importance of putting God first, as well as the 12 months of the year. The 13th coin symbolises shared wealth, prosperity, and the couple's commitment to giving back to the less fortunate.

The presentation of the coins is a powerful moment in the wedding ceremony, symbolising the bride's trust in the groom's pledge. It is a tangible expression of their promises to one another and their shared vision for the future. This tradition adds a layer of depth and symbolism to the Catholic wedding ceremony, making it a memorable and meaningful moment for the couple and their families.

Unity and prosperity

The ritual is believed to have originated in Spain and spread to other countries through Spanish conquest. It is now commonly practised in Latin America, the Philippines, and other Hispanic cultures worldwide. The coins are typically presented in an ornate box, chest, or pouch, and are given to the couple by a priest or deacon, who blesses them during the ceremony.

The number 13 is significant, with 12 gold coins representing the 12 apostles and the importance of God in their marriage, as well as the 12 months of the year. The remaining coin is platinum, symbolising the couple's shared wealth and prosperity, and their commitment to giving back to those less fortunate.

The inclusion of 'arras' in Catholic weddings is a way to wish for unity and prosperity in the couple's future life together. It is a symbolic tradition that communicates mutual trust, love, and commitment to building a prosperous and caring marriage.

The role of the priest

One of the key roles of the priest is to bless the wedding rings and the arras, or wedding coins. The arras are 13 coins presented in an ornate box, chest, or pouch, and they symbolise the groom's promise to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so. The priest blesses these coins, which are then given by the groom to the bride. This ritual is usually performed after the exchange of rings and before the couple says their vows.

In addition to the blessing of the rings and arras, the priest also has other important duties during a Catholic wedding. They are responsible for ensuring that the liturgy is followed and that the couple and witnesses understand their roles. The priest also signs the civil marriage license, noting their title, name, the name of the Church, and the date of the marriage. The priest's signature on the license confirms that the wedding has taken place and is recognised by the Church.

The priest plays a crucial role in welcoming the couple into the sacrament of matrimony and ensuring that their union is blessed and witnessed by the Church. Their presence and guidance add a spiritual dimension to the ceremony and reinforce the sacred nature of the marriage vows.

The origin of the tradition

The tradition of arras, or las arras matrimoniales, has roots in both Christian and Catholic weddings, specifically those of Hispanic cultures. The tradition is also observed in countries and communities influenced by Hispanic culture, such as in the Philippines. The custom of using coins in weddings can be traced back to Spain and Rome.

The word "arras" is derived from the Spanish word "arrhae", meaning "earnest money", "bride price", or "bride wealth". The tradition of exchanging coins during weddings is believed to have originated in the 11th century, stemming from Frankish marriage ceremonies where thirteen pennies were exchanged, and Spanish weddings where coins were given as gifts. These two practices merged in the 11th century.

The number of coins, thirteen, is significant. Twelve of the coins represent the twelve apostles of Jesus and the importance of putting God first in their marriage. They also represent the twelve months of the year and prosperity for the newlyweds. The thirteenth coin symbolises overabundance and the couple's duty to give back to the less fortunate.

The coins are usually presented by the groom to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to provide for her and their future together. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her trust in the groom's ability to fulfil his promise.

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