Grace Thompson
Unity is a central theme in Catholic weddings, with the couple's unity, as well as unity between their families, being celebrated. One ritual that is sometimes included in Catholic weddings is the unity candle, where the bride and groom each hold a candle and together light a third, larger candle, before blowing out their individual candles to symbolise their union. Another unity ritual is the Unity Veil, where a veil is draped over the couple to symbolise God's protection and the merging of their families. In Hispanic cultures, unity coins are exchanged during the wedding ceremony, with thirteen coins representing the twelve months of the year and the thirteenth representing the poor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unity Veil | Symbol of unity between the couple and their families, God's protection, and the love and support of friends and family |
| Unity Coins | Groom's promise to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so |
| Unity Candle | Symbol of the union of husband and wife |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Unity coins are given to the poor or the priest
Unity coins, also known as las arras, wedding tokens, or arrhae, are wedding paraphernalia used in Christian wedding ceremonies in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The tradition is also observed, with varying names and customs, in other countries and communities influenced by Hispanic culture. The custom of exchanging unity coins during a Catholic wedding ceremony stems from the notion of wishing for prosperity.
Historically, the unity coins were thirteen gold coins presented in a decorative box, chest, basket, or pouch. These coins signified the groom's pledge to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so. The thirteen coins also represented the twelve months of the year and the poor (the thirteenth coin). In modern times, couples often personalise the ritual to symbolise their equal commitment to building a shared future.
The unity coins are blessed by a priest before being given by the groom to the bride. In some regions, it was customary for some of the coins to be donated to the poor or given to the priest as payment for their services. For example, in 16th-century Amiens and Rheims, the priest kept ten of the thirteen coins, while in other places, like Bordeaux and pre-Reformation England, the priest received fewer coins or the money was distributed to the poor.
The blessing of the unity coins combines petitions for material and spiritual wealth. A 14th-century blessing from Cambrai, France, reads:
> Bless, O Lord, these coins, which we bless in Thy name, entreating Thine immense clemency: that whoever is endowed with them, may be divinely endowed with the riches of grace and glory—here, in eternity, and forever and ever. Amen.
The unity coin ritual holds symbolic significance, teaching the bride and groom about financial responsibility, shared stewardship, and generosity towards the Church and the less fortunate. It also reinforces traditional gender roles, with the husband as the family provider and protector and the wife as the treasurer and keeper of the family finances.
How to Prepare for a Eucharistic Novena
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unity coins represent the groom's promise to provide
Unity coins, also known as las arras, arrhae, or wedding tokens, are a part of Christian wedding ceremonies in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The tradition also exists in other countries and communities influenced by Hispanic culture. The coins are usually made of gold and presented in an ornate box, chest, basket, or pouch. There are typically 13 coins, representing the 12 months of the year and the poor (the thirteenth).
The exchange of unity coins symbolises the groom's promise to provide for and protect his family, and the bride's trust in his ability to do so. This custom is rooted in the idea of wishing for prosperity and can be traced back to Frankish and Spanish wedding traditions from the 11th century. In modern times, the ritual may be adapted to represent the couple's equal commitment to their shared future.
In the past, it was common for some of the coins to be given away to the poor or to the priest as payment for his services. For example, in 16th-century Amiens and Rheims, the priest kept ten of the thirteen coins, while in other places, the coins were distributed to the poor. This tradition was particularly prevalent in rural French Catholic weddings until the early 20th century.
The unity coins are typically blessed by a priest before being presented by the groom to the bride. In Filipino and Hispanic weddings, an "arrhae-bearer" or "coin-bearer" may be included in the wedding entourage to carry the coins on a cushion. This optional rite was approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2010.
The number 13 has additional symbolic meanings, such as representing Jesus and the twelve apostles. The coins also symbolise the couple's shared stewardship of their financial resources and their generosity toward the Church and the less fortunate.
Exploring Catholic Identity with Kendra von Esh
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unity Veil symbolises God's protection and unity between families
In Filipino and Catholic cultures, the unity veil is a significant ritual in wedding ceremonies. The veil symbolises God's protection and unity between the couple and their families.
The unity veil ceremony embodies the protective mantle of love and family. As the veil is placed over the bride and groom, it signifies their willingness to face life's challenges as a united couple, with the support of their families. The veil also symbolises God's presence, akin to how the cloud represented God's presence in Exodus 40:35.
During the ceremony, wedding sponsors, chosen for their strong and enduring marriage, hold the veil over the couple. This gesture symbolises the wisdom and guidance the couple seeks from their families and community. The veil's fabric, often durable and elegant, such as lace or silk, symbolises the endurance and beauty of a strong marriage.
The unity veil ceremony also includes a knotted cord placed over the couple's heads, representing the merging of their lives into one, with God as their foundation. Ecclesiastes 4:12 emphasises this symbolism: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
The unity veil is a powerful symbol of the couple's union, embodying their commitment to face life's challenges together, with God's direction and protection. It is a cherished tradition in Filipino and Catholic weddings, uniting the couple and their families under the mantle of God's love and grace.
Seminary Training: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unity candles are not part of the official Catholic wedding ceremony
The unity candle ritual involves the bride and groom each holding a lit candle, which they then use to light a larger candle together. The two smaller candles are then extinguished, symbolising the blending of two lives into one. The origins of this ritual are unclear, but it is thought to have developed in America in the last 30 to 40 years. Some believe it became popular after featuring in a wedding on the soap opera "General Hospital" in 1981.
The unity candle is not the only unity ritual in a Catholic wedding. Another common ritual is the exchange of wedding coins, or "las arras". This tradition is popular in Spanish, Latin American, and Filipino cultures and has been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The coins, usually thirteen, are presented in a decorative box, pouch, or tray and blessed by the priest before being given to the bride by the groom. The coins symbolise the groom's promise to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.
While the unity candle is not officially recognised by the Catholic Church, some priests are happy to include it in the ceremony if requested by the couple. However, some parishes disallow it, arguing that it takes attention away from the central ritual of the exchange of vows. These parishes may suggest that couples include the unity candle ritual at their wedding reception instead.
Birth Control and Catholics: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unity candles symbolise the union of husband and wife
Unity candles are not a part of the official Catholic wedding ceremony, but they are a popular addition to the rituals. The unity candle ritual involves the bride and groom each holding a small, lit candle and together lighting a larger candle in the middle, which is referred to as the "unity candle". The couple then blows out their individual candles, symbolising the blending of their two lives into one.
The origins of the unity candle ritual are unclear, but it appears to have developed in America over the past 30 to 40 years. Some believe the practice gained popularity after it was featured in a wedding on the soap opera "General Hospital" in 1981.
The unity candle symbolises the union of husband and wife, visually representing the blending of two lives into one. It is a poignant moment that signifies the beginning of their journey as a married couple. The ritual also underscores the importance of God's presence in their marriage, with God's protection and guidance watching over the couple as they start their new life together.
In a similar vein, the Unity Veil is another symbol of unity in Catholic weddings, particularly in Filipino Catholic weddings. The veil is draped over the shoulders of the bride and groom, symbolising God's protection and the spiritual union of the couple. It also represents the merging of two families into one, emphasising the importance of familial love, support, and unity. The Unity Veil is more than just a decorative element; it is a way for couples to honour their cultural heritage and reaffirm their faith and commitment to each other.
Catholics on Joel Osteen: A World Apart
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The unity candle is a ritual sometimes inserted into a Catholic wedding ceremony following the exchange of vows and rings. The bride and groom each hold a smaller lighted candle, which they use to light a larger candle in the middle together. This larger candle is referred to as the "unity candle". The couple then blows out the smaller candles, symbolising that their two lives are now one.
The Unity Veil, also known as the Couple Veil, is a significant tradition in Filipino Catholic weddings. The veil is draped over the shoulders of the bride and groom, symbolising God's protection and unity between their families. It also represents the love and support of their friends and family members.
Unity coins, also known as las arras, wedding tokens, or arrhae, are wedding paraphernalia used in Catholic wedding ceremonies in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. The tradition involves the exchange of thirteen gold coins, presented in an ornate box or chest, between the bride and groom. The coins symbolise the groom's promise to provide for his family and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.
Unity poor refers to the custom of giving away some of the coins exchanged during the wedding ceremony to the poor or needy. This tradition was observed in several regions, including Amiens, Rheims, and Bordeaux, in the 16th century.
