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Spain is a nation of many regions, most of which
were once independent countries, so wedding customs sometimes vary
from area to area.
Traditionally, the groom gives a watch to the
bride's father when his proposal is accepted.
Though some brides still uphold custom by
embroidering their groom's wedding shirt, today's Spanish brides
generally choose white wedding dresses for themselves rather than
the black lace or silk gowns that were once popular. No matter what
color the dress, lacey mantillas secured with combs often complete
the ensemble. In Andalucia (Andalusia), a few brides wear a frilled,
flamenco style dress in homage to the distinctive regional dance. Flower selections vary from region to region. In
Seville (Sevilla), where richly-scented orange trees abound, brides
wear orange blossom wreaths or carry generous bouquets to represent
the promise and fulfillment of the orange tree. Brides in Andalusia
prefer pink and white rose garlands, while Castillian brides wear
white flowers.
Because dining late is a Mediterranean custom,
wedding ceremonies often aren't scheduled until evening. According
to tradition, the bride's father escorts his daughter to the church
after having ensured that the groom has not seen her the night
before the ceremony. The groom's mother walks down the aisle with
her son.
Spanish wedding ceremonies are marked by an
exchange of 13 gold coins in a special purse or box. Details of this
custom vary from source to source, but even today it is readily
possible to buy reproduction coins to honor the tradition. Whether
gold or imitation, these coins are blessed by the officiating
priest. They are said to represent Jesus Christ and his apostles, so
they not only have a religious connotation but also a practical one
since they represent a dowry, a pledge of the new groom's
willingness to support his wife.
The bride and bridegroom exchange wedding rings as
well. These are worn on the ring fingers of their right hands.
As they emerge from the church, the newlyweds are
often greeted with firecrackers. Once the reception begins, the
festivities continue into the night with dining and dancing. The
wedding dance is called "sequidillas manchegas." Guests who dance
with the bride, traditionally give her money, but pieces of the
groom's tie and/or the bride's garter may also be auctioned off for
good luck.
Though the Spanish bride throws her bouquet to
whomever will be next to marry, she also hands out pins with a
flower motif to unmarried ladies who attach them to their clothing
upside down. The hope is the pins will be lost during the dancing,
and therefore indicate the lady will soon marry. Other favors for
wedding guests are cigars for the gentlemen and something nicely
scented for the ladies.
Area delicacies are always on the reception menu.
Paella, a delicious seafood and rice stew, is popular along the
coast while sangria, a red wine punch, is found at most Spanish
gatherings. The wedding sponge cake is rich with fruit and almonds.
Whatever your heritage, consider adopting a custom
or two from the rich culture of Spanish weddings.
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