Wedding Rings and Arras: Symbols of Eternal Love

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with emotions, decisions, and above all, traditions that connect your love story with past generations. Every detail, from the dress to the flowers, has special meaning, but there are certain elements that shine with their own light during the ceremony. Rings and arras are much more than simple objects; they are visible promises of your commitment and your future together.

If you're starting to organize your big day, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the customs and rituals. But don't worry! We're here to guide you, like that older sister who's been through all this and wants your day to be perfect. In this post, we're going to explore the profound meaning of rings, arras, and other symbols that are part of weddings in Spain. Understanding their history will help you give them an even more personal value and make your ceremony unforgettable.

The History of Wedding Rings: A Never-Ending Circle

The exchange of rings is perhaps the most recognized moment of any wedding in the world. But have you ever stopped to think about where this deeply rooted tradition comes from? Its origin is fascinating and dates back thousands of years.

A Legacy from Ancient Egypt

The first to use rings as a symbol of commitment were the ancient Egyptians, more than 5,000 years ago. For them, the circle was a powerful shape that represented eternity, without beginning or end. By giving a ring, they were symbolizing a love that would last forever. These first rings were made of humble materials, like hemp or woven reeds. Although they weren't durable, the symbolism was what really mattered.

Roman Influence: The Engagement Ring

It was the Romans who adopted and adapted this custom. In ancient Rome, the engagement ring (anulus pronubus) was not so much a symbol of love as a legal contract. The groom gave the bride a ring, usually made of iron, as a sign that the marriage agreement was sealed and she became his property. Yes, things have changed a lot!

The Romans also started the tradition of wearing the ring on the ring finger. They believed that in this finger there was a vein, the vena amoris or "vein of love," that connected directly to the heart. Although we know today that it's not entirely anatomically correct, the idea is so romantic that it has endured through the centuries.

Christianity and the Seal of Marriage

With the arrival of Christianity, the exchange of rings became consolidated as a fundamental part of the wedding ceremony. In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas I decreed that the ring was an official declaration of the intention to marry. At first, only the bride received a ring, but from the 13th century onwards, it became popular for both spouses to exchange wedding bands as a symbol of their union and mutual fidelity before God.

Today, wedding bands represent the promise of love, respect, and companionship that you make to each other. By sliding the ring onto your partner's finger, you're not only following a millennia-old tradition, but you're creating your own circle of eternal love.

Wedding Arras: A Treasure of Prosperity

Along with rings, arras are another of the most symbolic and emotional elements of weddings in Spain. This tradition, deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, consists of the exchange of thirteen coins between the bride and groom during the ceremony.

Origin and Meaning of the Thirteen Coins

The tradition of arras has its roots in the Mozarabic rite and has been documented in Spain since the Middle Ages. The thirteen coins represent the material goods that the couple will share throughout their life together. Twelve of the coins symbolize prosperity for each of the months of the year, and the thirteenth coin has a special meaning: it's added as a gesture of generosity to share with those most in need.

The exchange of arras is an act loaded with symbolism:

• When the groom gives the arras to the bride, he's promising that she will lack nothing and that he will provide and care for the home.
• When the bride receives them and returns them, she's accepting that shared responsibility and promising to manage the goods with prudence and dedication.

It's a mutual promise of economic loyalty and unconditional support. It symbolizes that, from that moment, everything they have and everything they earn will belong to both, to build a future together in wealth and in poverty.

What Material Are the Arras Made Of?

Traditionally, arras were made of gold or silver, reflecting the economic status of the families. Today, you can find them in a wide variety of metals and designs. Many couples choose arras with personal meaning: they can be coins from a special trip, with an engraving that represents something important to you, or even antique coins inherited from the family, which adds incalculable sentimental value.

The material doesn't matter, what's truly important is the commitment they represent: the promise to build a future together, sharing not only love, but also resources so your home prospers.

Other Symbols Full of Meaning in Spanish Weddings

Besides rings and arras, there are other elements that, although perhaps less common, can also be part of a wedding ceremony in Spain, adding a touch of personality and symbolism.

The Wedding Lasso: Inseparable Union

Although it's more popular in Latin American weddings, the lasso ceremony is also seen at some weddings in Spain. It consists of the godparents placing a large lasso, often in the shape of an eight or infinity symbol, around the shoulders of the bride and groom after they've said their vows. This lasso symbolizes the eternal and inseparable union of the couple, a bond that cannot be broken. It can be a rosary, a silk rope decorated with flowers or crystals, or any material that has special meaning for you.

Unity Candles: Two Flames Becoming One

The unity candle or light ceremony is a modern but very emotional ritual. Each of the bride and groom (or sometimes their mothers) lights a small individual candle. Then, together, they use those two flames to light a larger, central candle. In doing so, they symbolize that two individual lives are uniting to create a new life together, without either losing their essence. The individual candles are extinguished, showing that now their light shines as one. It's a visually beautiful moment loaded with meaning.

Adapting Traditions to Your Love Story

The most beautiful thing about all these traditions is that they're not rigid rules. You have the power to give them your own meaning and adapt them to your personality. Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are as a couple.

Here are some ideas to personalize these rituals:

• Ring engraving: Inscribe on your wedding bands a date, a word, a short phrase from a song, or even the coordinates of a special place. It will be your little secret.
• Choosing the arras: As we mentioned before, you can use coins from your countries of origin if you're from different places, or coins from a trip that marked you. You can even commission personalized arras designed for you.
• The ring and arras bearer: Traditionally, it's the children of the family (page boys or flower girls) who carry the rings and arras to the altar. But you can give this honor to a grandfather, your pet (yes, with a well-tied little cushion!), or a very close friend.

Don't be afraid to be creative and make every moment of the ceremony speak about you.

The Importance of Symbols on Your Big Day

Your wedding is much more than a party. It's a rite of passage, a moment when you declare your love and commitment before the people you love most. Rings, arras, and other symbols are the tools that help you express promises that sometimes are too big for words.

These rituals connect your present with a past full of history and project your dreams toward a shared future. They're emotional anchors that, every time you look at your ring or remember the sound of the arras falling into your hands, will transport you back to the emotion and certainty of your big day.

We know that planning each of these details can seem overwhelming, but it's a beautiful journey. Enjoy each choice, because each one is weaving the unique story of your love.

And if you need help finding those perfect wedding bands, the ideal cushion for the rings, or arras that tell your story, don't hesitate to explore Wedded. On our platform, you'll find the best vendors who will help you make your dream wedding a reality. We're here to accompany you every step of the way!