Help with Mexican Wedding Traditions

[Cathy1970]

I’m in need of assistance for my October 28 wedding. My fiancee is Mexican and unfortunatley the stereotypical guy as a wedding resource (he knows there’s something done with all of the traditions but doesn’t have a clue beyond that). We are including several traditions from his culture into our ceremony. I want to put a brief explanation in the program so my family and friends will understand their significance. I’ve been able to find information on the arras and the lazo, but can’t find a nice explanation of the kneeling pillows or blessing of the bible. I’d appreciate any assistance. I’m also in need of the actual blessing said by the priest for the bible. We both come from Catholic families so most of the Mass will be clear cut. It’s just the additional blessings that some people will not understand. I can’t wait to see their faces when the Mariachi band comes out to play us down the aisle at the end! Thanks for your help.

 

[YinYangMom]

Have you asked his mother and/or grandmother?

What about the priest of their church (if they attend a spanish mass regularly)?

I take it your priest is on board with incorporating these symbols, perhaps he knows their significance?

I was disturbed to learn our church doesn’t do the ‘unity candle’ thing anymore for weddings, so I guess I’m pleasantly surprised your priest is letting you bring in the mexican rituals/symbols.

We had mariachis sing our entire mass…it was quite memorable. A bit loud, but memorable.

 

[betra2000]

Cathy1970:

I’m in need of assistance for my October 28 wedding. My fiancee is Mexican and unfortunatley the stereotypical guy as a wedding resource (he knows there’s something done with all of the traditions but doesn’t have a clue beyond that). We are including several traditions from his culture into our ceremony. I want to put a brief explanation in the program so my family and friends will understand their significance. I’ve been able to find information on the arras and the lazo, but can’t find a nice explanation of the kneeling pillows or blessing of the bible. I’d appreciate any assistance. I’m also in need of the actual blessing said by the priest for the bible. We both come from Catholic families so most of the Mass will be clear cut. It’s just the additional blessings that some people will not understand. I can’t wait to see their faces when the Mariachi band comes out to play us down the aisle at the end! Thanks for your help.

I am married to a Hispanic. I do know that you need sponsors (Padrinos) for the lazo, Biblia, Rosario, and the pillows. When you are getting married, you have the sponsors bring up the lazo and put it on you, same with the Bible with the Rosary in it. You also bring a Ramo de Flores, (flowers) and take it to the Virgin of Guadalupe and kneel before her and say a prayer. I can go on and on. E-mail me at betra2000@hotmail.com and I will answer any questions you may have, and if I dont have the answer, I will find out.

 

[puzzleannie]

The Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio has pamphlets to help plan and explain wedding and quincenera customs. They also teach Spanish for priests and pastoral workers doing ministry with Hispanics. www.maccsa.org