The custom of the giving of wedding coins originated in Spain. Thirteen
gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying his
willingness to support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this
represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These
coins become a part of their family heirloom. The symbolism, which may be
explained by the officiant, is that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a
provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for her. Acceptance by the
bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total
dedication and prudence. The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 This
tradition is usually associated with Hispanic families. The Madrina de Arras
(godmother of arras) holds the 13 gold coins the bridegroom by apostles.
Another popular belief is that the thirteen coins represent the 12 lunar cycles of
a year, and the thirteenth coin symbolizes the couple's honeymoon. The coins
are presented to the minister by a friend or relative (often the purchaser of the
coins). The minister then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who
places them in the groom's cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony.
The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until
later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are
given to the minister who places the coins in the box and hands them to the
groom. The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and
places the box on top as a symbol of his unquestionable trust, confidence and
pledge to provide financially for them.
Sometimes their hands are bound with a ribbon for this portion of the
ceremony.
gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying his
willingness to support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this
represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These
coins become a part of their family heirloom. The symbolism, which may be
explained by the officiant, is that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a
provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for her. Acceptance by the
bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total
dedication and prudence. The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 This
tradition is usually associated with Hispanic families. The Madrina de Arras
(godmother of arras) holds the 13 gold coins the bridegroom by apostles.
Another popular belief is that the thirteen coins represent the 12 lunar cycles of
a year, and the thirteenth coin symbolizes the couple's honeymoon. The coins
are presented to the minister by a friend or relative (often the purchaser of the
coins). The minister then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who
places them in the groom's cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony.
The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until
later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are
given to the minister who places the coins in the box and hands them to the
groom. The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and
places the box on top as a symbol of his unquestionable trust, confidence and
pledge to provide financially for them.
Sometimes their hands are bound with a ribbon for this portion of the
ceremony.
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| Los Angeles Beach Weddings, Inc. |
Arras 13 Coin Ceremony
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| 1-800-My-LA-Wedding |
(800-695-2933)
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