puerto rican customs

[lola]

can anybody educate me as to what is a puerto rican wedding ceremony like? what do they do diferently than mexicans or salvadoreÑos?

[IDeJesus]

Lola:

Most Puerto Rican weddings are based on the traditions of the Spanish Conquistadores. Most Catholics have a church ceremony, which may or may not include a full service ( misa) depending on how devout you are, how well you know the priest, and, whether you can afford to pay the extra cash to the parish for a full blown service.
Catholics who are well to do will rent a hall for a reception after the church ceremony and there's food, liquor and music. If you are not financially well off, there is usually a small party in the home of a relative. Most frequently the bride's parents. Protestants follow pretty much the same protocol. Their church ceremony is different but not substantially. Some Protestant denominations do not believe in full fledged "parties". So, in some cases there might be a dinner or luncheon, but no liquor or dancing are allowed.

If you are dirt poor, you get married by the justice of the peace, very quietly and unassumingly.

But, Puerto Ricans are a proud people who believe fervently in the power of appearance. It is not rare too see the poorest of people have very extravagant wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Only the best for ours.

[This message has been edited by IDeJesus (edited 25 April 2000).]

[lola]

muchas gracias por la repuesta pero i was looking for more the custom part of the ceremony not the religion part. for example jews step on a glass, african americans jump over broom etc, what do we do just drink and part after the i do?

[angiebel]

Yeap, you got it. It's pretty much like what you'd see at an "anglo" wedding here in the states, except the music is, for the most part, salsa & boleros. It's just a real good time!

[SabrosoY2K]

Hi Lola,
Everything that has been said is correct.I am not familiar with the "anglo" celebrations,but the one thing missing is that the newlyweds "sneak out" after they mingle with with relatives/friends and cut the cake...to many,sneaking out is part of their wedding plans.Its accomplished with the help of the most trusted relatives/friends.
This is what I recall from weddings I attended growing up in P.R.,in a small town,usually out in the country...I'm not shure its a custom,but I was always under the impression that was the traditional thing to do...
After they leave, the band singer,the D.J. or a family member would announce that the newlyweds had left the reception(usually in a humorous manner) and that the party continues.At that point the guests tend to leave,not all at once,but they start leaving little by little.Some of the last guests help out with the cleanning up.
Yo attendy muchas bodas en P.R. y con la excepcion de pocas,este fue el pattern que todas siguieron.Por eso digo que estoy bajo la impresion que es tradicional que los novios se "desaparescan" durante la recepcion...
Espero que esto sea de ayuda...
Sinceramente,

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SabrosoY2K@AOL.com

[nydia9846]

Everyone forgot the arras, or wedding coins. these consist of 13 silver or gold coins that the groom gives to the bride during the ceremony. 13 symbolizes Christ and the 12 apostles. The arras represents the groom's unquestionable trust and confidence in her, knowing his responsibility as a provider as he pledges to support and care for her. by passing the arras to her he is giving her control as his mistress of all his worldly goods. by her acceptance she pledges to take that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.