Mexican Wedding Traditions

A Mexican wedding is a gala affair. Not only is it marked with fun and festivity, but what stands out in these functions is the large number people that turn up for the wedding. Mexicans are people who have strong family values. They have large families, and when it is time for one of their kin to get married, every one wants to be a part of the ceremony and bless the couple for a happy married life. Though most of the traditions of a Mexican wedding have roots in Aztec culture, effects of Spanish and Catholic customs are clearly visible in traditions followed in recent times. Be it the rituals or the dress, the effect of foreign cultures is clearly reflected in Mexican wedding traditions. Traditionally, the wedding takes place at the bride's courtyard. However, since most Mexicans are Catholics, weddings now take place in the church.

Mexican Wedding Traditions

Before the Wedding

Mexicans hold their customs and family honor in high regard. In case of marriages, according to Mexican tradition, it is the boy's family that directly approaches the girl's family, to ask for her hand in marriage. In the process, they may visit the girl's house several times. Traditionally, as long as the families were in talk, the girl was not allowed to meet any other young men. This was to prevent any incidents of elopement till the marital alliance was finalized, as such an act was considered a disgrace for the family. However, not all traditions of a Mexican wedding are strictly followed today. Although nowadays the boy's family might not be seen formally approaching a girl's family, as was done in the olden days, in most cases the boy still meets the girl's parents to ask for her hand in marriage, as a sign of respect to them. In case of long engagements, still common in Northern Mexico, the boy gives his fiancée as 'ring of promise', before the ring of commitment is given as sign of formal engagement.

The Padrinos and the Madrinas

Traditionally, a Mexican couple can choose their god parents, who sponsor the wedding. Being chosen as godparents or the padrinos and madrinas is a matter of great respect for Mexicans. The godparents are considered to be wise people who help and advise the couple all throughout the engagement, and also later when they face problems in their married life. The padrinos and madrinas gift the couple a bible and a rosary as symbol of their blessing. As a mark of respect, the godparents are given a special place by the couple in the wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Ceremony

Before the girl leaves for the wedding, her mother says a prayer to protect and guide her daughter as she walks to take her wedding vows. During the wedding, it is customary for the groom to give the bride Trece monedas de oro or '13 gold coins' blessed by the priest. These gold coins symbolize all the wealth and material possessions that the groom gives to his bride, as a mark of his unquestionable trust and confidence in her. The acceptance of the coins by the bride, in turn symbolizes her consent to maintain his trust and take care of him and his belongings with utmost devotion. After the couple have exchanged their vows, the El Lazo, or the Lasso, a white ribbon or rosary, is put around the couple's neck in the shape of an eight. The Lasso signifies the union of the two in an unbreakable bond of love and trust. Sometimes the Lasso is tied to the couple's wrist and they wear it throughout the wedding ceremony. As the couple leaves for the wedding reception, the guests throw red beads at the couple. This act is believed to bring good luck to the newly wed.

The Wedding Reception

A Mexican wedding reception is full of music, dance and celebration. Mexican food traditionally served include tortillas, chicken, beans and rice, and sangria, a traditional drink served as a beverage. A container made of paper called the pinata is filled with candies and hung for the children, who swat at it. Once the pinata breaks, the sweets are distributed among all the guests.

Dancing usually starts with the newly wed taking the stage for their dance as man and wife. During this ceremony, the guests hold hands and gather around them in the shape of a heart. The Dollar Dance is also an integral and delightful part of a Mexican wedding. In this custom, the guests take turns to dance with the couple and pin up a dollar bill (or a larger denomination) as blessing for their happy married life. Salsa, meringue and flamenco styles of dance add vigor and life to the festivities.

Right from the engagement till the wedding reception, a Mexican wedding is a grand affair. If one wants to witness the strong familial bonds and the willingness of every one to be a part of each other's happiness, then attending a Mexican wedding is an opportunity that one should never miss.