Traditional Mexican Wedding

             In a Mexican wedding, it is customary to get married in a church. The union between two people is guided by the church; it doesn’t matter what religion they are, the traditional Mexican weddings are done the same.  The tradition of paying for the wedding is divided between family members and close friends. They get assigned to purchase a specific object that is needed for the wedding. These people are called “Padrinos.” In English it translates as “God fathers.” The "padrinos" are usualy a couple. Some “padrinos,“ are assigned to walk in the wedding, and even give the object or put it on the bride and groom. Other “Padrinos” purchase the music, food, decorations, limo, photo album, invitations, pictures, and video basically all the necessities needed for a wedding.

            After the vows and ring have bee exchange, the bride and groom are ask to kneel on the “Cojines, “ (small kneeling pillows) the “padrinos “ place in front of the bride and groom.  This is were the tradition of a Mexican wedding takes place. After the bride and groom kneels; the “Lazo,” (a rope) is placed over the bride and groom. Following that is the “Arras,”(13 coins) and last they present to the bride and groom the Bible symbolic for guidance.

            The “Lazo,” is a rosary or a rope shaped as the number eight. It goes over the bride and groom it signifies union and protection of the marriage. The bride and groom kneel as the “Padrions de Lazo,” (the rope purchasers) which usually is a married couple; put the Lazo over the bride and grooms neck. The married couple applies the Lazo over the opposite sex, so the wife applies it over the groom and the husband over the bride.

            The tradition of the “Arras,” was originated in Spain. The padrinos hand the groom 13 coins, the number thirteen represents Christ and his Apostles it is a good number. And when the groom hands them to the bride’s cupped hands it signifies he will support her, it is a pledge to the bride of his unquestionable trust and confidence. He understands his duties as a provider and his unconditional confidence with complete dedication. The arras is usually presented in a gold box or a gold gift tray.

            After the ceremony the reception always follows the dance starts with the bride and groom dancing there song. It is tradition to dance the “Dolor dance.” Everyone invited lines up with money in there hands, the bridesmaids and groomsmen hand the family and guest lined up safety pins or straight pins.  Everyone participation takes turn pining money on the newlyweds and dances with them. The music played in the reception is salsa, meringue, cumbia, batchata, and some weddings even have mariachi.

            The food served at the reception is usually “Birria,” it is a spicy Mexican meat stew made with goat and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Another popular dish is “Mole,” it is the heart and soul of Mexican cooking. Mole is a thick, rich, chocolate tange sauce poured over chicken or pork, it is served with rice. Mole is Mexico’s national dish for holidays and feasts. The traditional wedding cake is “Pastel de tres leches,” in English it is translated as three milk cake. The cake is soaked in sauce of three milks evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. The heavy cream is also used as the topping of the cake when whipped. The cake is moist, sweet, and delicious.

            In conclusion the Mexicans continue these cultural traditions to respect there forefathers. Mexicans have had these customs for many years and it is an honor to continue them and to be a part of it. If you are ever invited to a Mexican wedding don’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of a cultural celebration. It is filled with fun, love, music, tradition, and celebration.