According to tradition, exchanging the wedding arras will symbolize the prosperity and goods that the couple will share from the moment they tie the knot. There are many details in weddings that must be taken into account, and they are very varied, although all are equally essential.
In addition to the wedding arras, you can opt for digital wedding invitations, which are always a great choice. The wedding arras is a symbolic tradition, but it has many details that you may not know, so we invite you to read on carefully.
What is the history of wedding arras?
In ancient times, wedding arras were considered a guarantee of marriage, because if the promise of fidelity was broken, they were lost. This custom was developed from the tradition of having a promise, and was a commitment of the groom and his ability to take care of his partner’s material needs.
The tradition was picked up by Rome, and in Spain it was introduced in the Middle Ages. For this reason, wedding arras are a commitment of fidelity, and can be used in both religious and civil weddings.
What is the meaning of the 13 coins?
The meaning of the 13 coins in the wedding arras has changed over time. Initially, as mentioned above, they were a guarantee of marriage, but later they came to represent the bond between the couple.
At one time this was a payment made by the groom’s family to the bride’s family if she was a virgin at marriage. In the past, marriages in which the arras were not presented were not considered valid, because they were part of the dowry that was contributed. In addition, in the Middle Ages a difference between marriage and concubinage was established by the presence of the arras.
What do arras represent today?
Nowadays, the exchange of wedding arras will symbolize the union as a couple. With these, a commitment is made that they will take care of each other and share everything, acting as a team in economic matters.
They are also a symbol that money will not be a problem, and that there will always be common goods, no matter how small they may be.
How many arras should be worn at a wedding?
According to tradition, 13 coins must be carried , of which 12 must be gold and one platinum, all of the same size. The thirteen arras will represent the goods distributed in the twelve months of the year, and the additional one is to share with the poor.
In the past, the last coin was made of bronze. The last one was of lesser value meaning that not everything would be joys, but difficulties would also have to be shared.
How do you carry the wedding arras to the altar?
The boys or girls of the family, or children of close friends will be in charge of carrying the wedding arras to the altar. It is recommended not to choose very young children for this task because they may become absent-minded. As far as possible, children should be between 5 and 9 years of age. Children should rehearse so that on the day of the wedding everything will be perfect.
Usually the arras will be carried in a wedding arras basket or on a tray, although they can also be placed in a wedding arras box, which can be made of wood or glass. They can also be placed in a piece of hollow log, a small cloth bag or can be placed in wedding ring racks.
When are arras given at a wedding?
This is a ritual that is more common in religious weddings, and after the exchange of the wedding rings the priest will bless the arras. The groom takes the arras and hands them to his bride, who receives them with both hands open while saying “I receive them“.
Then the bride will give the wedding arras to her husband, sealing the nuptial commitment to ensure the economic stability of the couple. This is one of the most emotional moments of any wedding.
In civil weddings, the wedding arras will be exchanged between the couple without any other intervention. For these cases, the phrase with which the arras are delivered will be of free choice.
Is it possible to have personalized wedding arras?
Many couples are looking for innovation in their weddings, and some couples are looking for other types of coins with a special meaning for them. There are many possibilities for wedding arras, and they can be legal tender coins, coins from another country or old coins.
In jewelry stores you can choose the ones that best suit your tastes, and some even come with phrases of commitment to the union of the couple. You can buy arras fully personalized with the wedding date and the initials or names of the bride and groom. If you don’t want traditional wedding arras, you can always customize them to your liking.
Who gives the wedding arras as a gift?
The arras are a gift from the godmother of the wedding, and can be inherited from parents or grandparents. In this way, great sentimental value can be added to this important symbol of the wedding ceremony.
What materials can wedding arras be made of?
Nowadays, wedding arras can be made of gold, silver or silver with gold plating, but they can also be made of other metals. There are many types of wedding arras, and depending on the material you choose the amount may vary.
Are wedding arras essential?
Marriage arras are not essential. It will depend on each couple if they should be included or not in the ceremony, so you can decide if you want to exchange them at the altar, or determine if they are not necessary, so you can give them up without any problem.
In all cases, this can be a very nice gesture and will certainly make you enjoy a romantic experience with your partner.