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What are some unique Filipino wedding traditions?
What is a Filipino wedding?
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What is a pre-wedding tradition in the Philippines?
- Katrina Del Rosario
- Formal Introductions and Negotiations. Known in Tagalog as pamamanhikan, this acts as the first official step in a Filipino wedding. It could take place months or weeks before the ceremony, and involves the couple's families meeting each other for an official proposal—though the specifics behind this custom can vary based on the couple's region of origin.
- Wedding Announcements. This tradition involves the couple visiting the homes of invitees to personally make their wedding announcements and hand out official invitations.
- Making Arrangements. The Bulungan, which translates to “whispering," takes place in the bride’s house and involves the bride and groom’s families (usually their elders) huddling together to quietly make plans, budget allocations, and task divisions for the upcoming wedding.
- Wedding Preparations. The wedding preparations take place a day before the big day and are centered around the Filipino concept of bayanihan, which involves performing small, heroic acts for the good of the community.
- Celebration of Engagement
- Naming Godparents
- Family Involvement
- Parental Blessings
- Cord and Veil
- 13 Coins
- Unity Candle
- Wedding Reception
- Traditional Filipino Wedding Attire
- Filipino Wedding Superstitions
Known as Panliligaw And Pamamanhikan in Tagalog, formal courtship and engagement were historically the first official steps in a Filipino wedding. In modern Filipino weddings, these pre-wedding practices are less formal and serve as more of a general celebration of the impending nuptials between families. "While the pamamanhikan may still be a part...
In the past, there was often a naming of sponsors that took place at Filipino weddings, but Sales explains that "what we don't see much of anymore is the naming of sponsors for the candle, veil and cord. This was used in the past as they were individuals or couples who helped pay for part of the wedding." However, it is still very commonplace to na...
Historically, there were traditions known as bulungan and bayanihan, however, Sales explains that both of those customs aren't regularly observed by modern couples. In the past, the bulungan was known as the whispering and dealt with budget allocations and covered a conversation between families about how the wedding was being paid for. Sales expla...
A tradition that is still very important within modern Filipino weddings is the parental blessing. "Honoring your elders and parents is very much part of the Filipino wedding day. It's usually done through the wedding ceremony with blessings and also giving those individuals seats of honor throughout the celebration." Sales explains that seeking pa...
The cord and veil are two of the most visually recognizable elements of a Filipino wedding ceremony. "The veil and cord is still a tradition that we see today," notes Sales. During the ritual, the couple will be draped together in a lace veil and white cord. "The veil symbolizes oneness and protection for your marriage while the cord symbolizes ete...
Known as arras, there is a tradition of exchanging 13 coins during a Filipino wedding ceremony. "The arrasis a symbol of providing," says Sales. "It's usually handed from the groom to the bride as a symbol of prosperity and one's oath to provide to each other. While in the past this has usually been just passed from the groom to the bride, we are n...
During traditional Filipino wedding ceremonies, couples will often light a unity candletogether. "The unity candle symbolizes two souls and two families coming together," advises Sales. "Two separate flames or candles are lit by the mothers or the designated family member. The two candles are given to the bride and groom to light one unity candle a...
Filipino wedding receptions are known as Handaan. Historically, rice cakes were a major part of the menu at the reception, however, modern Filipino weddings often include all sorts of food. "Filipino wedding food has been pretty much westernized and couples are just opting for good food. Some other Filipinos still delve into their Chinese roots and...
Grooms at Filipino weddings often wear an outfit known as Barong Tagalog. The look includes an embroidered long-sleeve sheer shirt paired with slacks. While Filipino brides historically wore Baro't Saya, a wedding dress with dramatic puffy sleeves, it's common in modern weddings for brides to wear more westernized wedding dresses. When it comes to ...
Beyond the superstition of a bride not trying on her wedding dress, there are a few other Filipino wedding superstitions to be aware of. "Siblings should not get married in the same year as it's considered bad luck," says Sales. "Additionally, if the unity candle blows out the person closest to it will die, don't buy the couple knives or sharp obje...
- Pamanhikan. Family and respect for elders play a huge role in Filipino culture. Which is why before planning for a traditional Filipino wedding can begin, you need the green light in the form of the bride’s parents’ approval.
- Despedida de Soltera. A despedida de soltera is a dinner traditionally hosted by the bride’s family that takes place one to three weeks before the wedding.
- Catholic Church Wedding. While simple civil weddings in courthouses and city halls are an option for a legal wedding in the Philippines, weddings are traditionally held in a church.
- Principal and Secondary Sponsors. You should have a list of primary and secondary sponsors early into your wedding planning because this list of names is traditionally printed into the wedding invitations.
May 14, 2024 · 1 Key Takeaways. 2 Pre-Wedding Ceremonies and Rituals. 3 The Importance of Sponsors. 3.1 Role of Sponsors. 3.2 Sponsorship Responsibilities. 4 Choosing the Wedding Attire. 5 The Barong Tagalog Tradition. 6 Wedding March and Processional. 7 The Cord and Veil Ceremony. 7.1 The Cord’s Symbolism. 7.2 The Veil’s Significance. 7.3 The Ceremony’s Purpose.
- Pamamanhikan (Meeting of the families) Watch this video on YouTube. The Pamamanhikan is the first step in Filipinowedding customs, where the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
- Pang-ulong Pandanggo (The initial meeting) In the Philippines, once the families have agreed on the marriage, the pang-ulong pandanggo, or initial meeting takes place.
- Kasunduan (Agreement to be married) The kasunduan is a traditional agreement or understanding between the couple and their families that they are committed to getting married.
- Paninilbihan (Servitude) Watch this video on YouTube. In Filipinowedding customs, paninilbihan is a way for the groom to prove his love and dedication to the bride.
Pamamanhikan: One of the most significant pre-wedding traditions in the Philippines is the pamamanhikan. This tradition involves the groom and his family visiting the bride’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. It is a beautiful display of respect and communication between both families.
Releasing Doves. Palayok Game. Conclusion. Unique Filipino Wedding Traditions. Filipino wedding traditions are steeped in history and culture, with many unique customs and practices that are still followed today. Here are some of the most interesting and unique Filipino wedding traditions:
