When Theresa and Phia planned their wedding ceremony, they wanted to honor Theresa’s Filipino heritage by including the traditional ceremonies of “veil, cord and coin.”
These ceremonies are actually derived from the rites introduced in the early 18th century by the Spanish missionaries. And as you might guess, they are often included in Hispanic wedding ceremonies as well.
Before I give a brief explanation of these traditions, let me refresh your memory about the purpose of “sponsors” in the wedding. (I’ve spoken of sponsors in the past; you can read about Kyle and Ethyl’s wedding sponsors here.)
Sponsors
Just as in baptism, when god-parents are chosen to act as role models for the newly baptized individual, Filipino tradition calls for principle sponsors to serve in this manner when a couple is to be married. As wedding sponsors, they commit themselves to be a source of encouragement and guidance throughout the lives of the married couple.
Secondary sponsors are often called upon to participate in the ceremony during the veil, cord and candle lighting rituals.
(The veil and cord were handmade by Theresa’s mother.)
Veil
The veil sponsors drape a ceremonial veil on the top of the bride’s head and onto the shoulder of the groom, which is a symbol of two people being clothed as one. This represents a wish for good health and protection during their married life. It also symbolizes the uniting of two families into one.
Cord
The cord sponsors loosely drape the yugal, a silken cord sewn or fastened in the middle to create a “figure eight,” around the necks of the couple. The cord symbolizes the lifelong bond or ties between the bride and groom, and represents an everlasting promise of fidelity.
Coins
Another strongly held Filipino tradition is the exchange of coins. The groom is handed coins (usually 13), which he trickles into the cupped hands of his bride as a symbol of his promise for a life of faithfulness and prosperity.
He might then say, “Please accept these coins as a symbol of my dedication to your well-being and the welfare of our future family.”
And the bride responds, “I accept these coins as a sign of your dedication to my well-being and the welfare of our future family.”
Unity Candle
Some couples call on another pair of secondary sponsors by including them in the candle lighting ceremony. These sponsors come forward and light the individual tapers of the Bride and Groom, after which the Bride and Groom light the Unity – or Marriage – Candle together.
(There was a breeze during today’s candle lighting ceremony, and Mother Nature did not allow the candles to remain lit. Fortunately, this portion of the ceremony includes these words: “May your light as a couple continue to shine brightly for one another, not only in times of stillness and calm, but also during times of wind or challenge. Let the inner light of your love be as an eternal flame.”)
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Theresa and Phia! Together may you enjoy many years of good health, fidelity, prosperity and, especially, great love!
Ceremony venue: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento, CA
What I want to know is when or what part of the wedding ritual are the candles lit, the veil/cord drape on the couple and when to undo, and when the arras are shared. Thank you.
Thank you for your question.
While I don’t believe there’s a hard-and-fast rule, I generally following this timeline:
(Couple is facing each other)
Vows repeated
Rings exchanged
(Couple either kneels, or stands shoulder to shoulder, facing me)
Veil is pinned
Cord is draped
Cord is removed
Veil is removed
(Couple faces each other again)
Coins are exchanged
Candles are lit
I hope that’s helpful!
Rev. Jeri
Is it required for secondary sponsors as candles, veil & cords married?
Thanks for your question, Jacqueline.
To the best of my knowledge, no. The couple chooses their sponsors, and in many of my ceremonies the secondary sponsors have not been married to each other.
Rev. Jeri
Hi. The secondary sponsor that will be assigned in the Candle should be older than me? Is it okay if she and he is younger than me?
Thanks
I’m sorry, but I really don’t know.
While I’ve performed the veil, cord, coins and candle rituals in many wedding ceremonies, I generally ask the couple to confirm any specific details – such as what you’re asking – with someone in their family who has more knowledge of the cultural requirements.
Rev. Jeri
Where can I buy couple’s veil? Haven’t seen any at eBay or Amazon and even etsy.
I believe My Barong is a good resource.
I have given the role of removing the veils. I am only 19 and have no idea in any of this. Do i have to stand beside the groom the whole wedding? Or do i seat?
This is a question you should ask of the person performing the ceremony.
During the veil, cord, candle ceremony, is it ok for the couple to remain sitting while having it in the ceremony?
Yes.
Do we have to have the “secondary” rites, ie. candle, veil, and cord for our Catholic wedding? In other words, can we do away with these ceremonies and still have a valid Catholic wedding?
I am not Catholic, so I am unable to answer your question. I believe this is something you would need to ask a priest.
Regards,
Rev. Jeri