Filipino Wedding Traditions are very popular among the masses.
There are many old traditional customs and rituals that are still in practice today. With the passage of the time Filipino Wedding Traditions has incorporated many new practices. In present day weddings in Philippines are done following both old traditions and contemporary ideas.
Folk beliefs are deeply connected with Filipino Wedding Traditions. There are no scientific reasons behind these customs but they are still prevalent. This is because of the reason that they have inherited them from centuries. Rain is considered as a lucky charm. Rains at the wedding symbolize happiness and prosperity for the newly wed couple.
The general custom to initiate a marriage is Pamanhikan. It is the general custom when the boy asks the girl’s parents for her hand. Usually the groom is accompanied by his parents and friends. On this day the parents of both the boy and the girl decide and chalk out plans for the wedding. They decide all the details about the wedding and fix the budget. Often the guests bring some gift for the hosts. It can be anything, even home made cookies.
After this comes the Pa-alam. It is a traditional Filipino custom when the couples inform the elders of the families about the upcoming wedding. Usually the elders who are not present during the Pamanhikan are informed about all the wedding details.
Bride wears a beautiful white wedding dress for her wedding. The bride should not put on try her wedding dress earlier except in her wedding day. It is generally considered as a bad sign. Men on the other hand wear the barong tagalog. It is a traditional Filipino wear. It is believed that if the groom sits ahead of the bride at the time of the wedding then he would turn out to be a henpecked husband.
Earlier the wedding ceremony extended for three days. On the first day the couple went to a house of a priest. The priest then joined the hands of both the bride and the groom on a plate of rice. On the third day priest pricked the chest of both to collect a little blood. Later they are given a single plate of cooked rice and a drink. The drink is made of some of their blood and water. Now Wedding Traditions in Philippines are mainly inspired by Catholic customs.
| 
