About
Philippine Wedding Culture and Superstitions
Filipinos still adhere to numerous widely-held folk beliefs that have no scientific or logical basis but maybe backed-up by some past experiences (yet can be dismissed as mere coincidence).
Below are just a few that concerns weddings. Some are still practiced to this day primarily because of 'there's nothing to lose if we comply' attitude while the others are totally ignored for it seemed downright ridiculous.
1. Brides shouldn't try on her wedding dress before the wedding day or the wedding will not push through.
2. Knives and other sharp and pointed objects are said to be a bad choice for wedding gifts for this will lead to a broken marriage.
3. Giving arinola (chamberpot) as wedding gift is believed to bring good luck to newlyweds.
4. Altar-bound couples are accident-prone and therefore must avoid long drives or traveling before their wedding day for safety.
5. The groom who sits ahead of his bride during the wedding ceremony will be a henpecked husband.
6. If it rains during the wedding, it means prosperity and happiness for the newlyweds.
7. A flame extinguished on one of the wedding candles means the one on which side has the unlit candle, will die ahead of the other.
8. Throwing rice confetti at the newlyweds will bring them prosperity all their life.
9. The groom must arrive before the bride at the church to avoid bad luck.
10. It is considered bad luck for two siblings to marry on the same year.
11. Breaking something during the reception brings good luck to the newlyweds.
12. The bride should step on the groom's foot while walking towards the altar if she wants him to agree to her every whim.
13. A bride who wears pearls on her wedding will be an unhappy wife experiencing many heartaches and tears.
14. An unmarried woman who follows the footsteps (literally) of the newlyweds will marry soon.
15. Dropping the wedding ring, the veil or the arrhae during the ceremony spells unhappiness for the couple.
In early Filipino custom, the groom-to-be threw his spear at the front steps of his intended's home, a sign that she has been spoken for. These days, a ring suffices as the symbol of engagement.