The steps of a Mexican wedding follow the same pattern as an American wedding; a religious ceremony followed by a reception of celebration, food and dance. The differences are in the details. It is easy to incorporate Mexican traditions into your wedding. Whether it is in Mexico does not matter; many time-honored traditions can be performed in any location and by anyone.
Ceremony
Clothing is always a major part of the wedding ceremony in any culture. The bride, as in an American wedding, wears a white wedding gown, but in a Mexican wedding, she wears a light blue slip underneath it. At the beginning of the ceremony, Mexican tradition holds that the the bride and groom are draped with a lazo or lasso, a long rosary placed around their necks and crisscrossed like a figure 8 to connect them together. This is done while the couple are kneeling on the altar. The lazo is a symbol of commitment to one another, and acts as a binding image of partnership. The couple remain in the lazo through the wedding prayer and vows, and walk with it wrapped around their wrists until the end of the ceremony.
Gold Coins
One of the most unique traditions in a Mexican wedding is the giving of arras -- gold coins given by the groom to the bride. Thirteen gold coins are presented; they are each blessed by the priest presiding over the ceremony, and given to the bride in a small, lavishly decorated jewelry box. The 13 coins represent Christ and the 12 apostles, and symbolically refer to the groom's commitment to support, provide and care for his bride.
Reception
The reception, as in the U.S., is a time for dancing and partying. The couple's first dance is performed when the entire party forms an enclosed heart shape around the newlyweds. Often, there is also a money dance where the bride is "paid" to dance with others. This is a common tradition originating in Europe, and has since become popular in many Latin American cultures. Though it may sound like a cliché, pinatas are a traditional part of a Mexican wedding. Usually, the pinata is heart-shaped and filled with small candies and chocolates.
Food
There is always an abundance of food at the wedding. Traditional Mexican cuisine offers the guests a bounty representative of the couple's future prosperity. Though many sweet desserts often are offered at a Mexican wedding, a cake is usually the focal point. The traditional wedding cake is similar to a European-style fruitcake, usually a single layer filled with dried pineapple, coconut, pecans and almonds. It is usually soaked in rum and decorated with religious symbols made of frosting.
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