(Spanish Tradition - following the exchange of rings)
The
groom’s mother will hold the coins and bring them to the minister, upon request.
Minister: The symbolism of the 13 gold coins in this ceremony is
that the groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his
ability to support and care for his bride. Acceptance of the 13 coins by the
bride means accepting that trust with confidence and total dedication.
Minister: Thirteen gold coins will now be counted out to the groom. As
I place the coins in the groom’s hands, they represent different values that
the couple desires to share between themselves as part of their lives together.
(Minister recites the 13 values listed below - one-by-one -
while placing each coin individually into the groom’s open hands):
1.
Love
2.
Commitment
3.
Trust
4.
Respect
5.
Joy
6.
Happiness
7.
Peace
8.
Harmony
9.
Cooperation
10. Caring
11. Nurturing
12. Wisdom and;
13. Wholeness
May these coins be a symbol of this
couple's unconditional love, and mutual trust and respect for one another.
Minister to the Groom: Groom, please repeat after me.
Groom: I, Groom, give you Bride, these coins, as a symbol of my
unquestionable trust and confidence I place in you as my beloved wife. As we
unite our lives as one today, I give myself, and all that I have, with unconditional
love for you, from this moment on.
Minister to the Bride: Bride, please repeat after me.
Bride: I, Bride, accept these coins and assure you, Groom, of my loyal
dedication and commitment to you, as my husband. As we unite our lives as one
today, I share all that I am, and all that I have, with unconditional love for
you, from this moment on.
Minister: In exchanging these coins, Groom and Bride are essentially
saying, "what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine". These coins
are also symbolic of the positivity and infinite good that the universe has in
store for this loving couple.
When selfishness shows itself, grant
generosity;
When mistrust is a temptation, give
moral strength;
When there is misunderstanding, give
patience and gentleness; and
If suffering becomes a part of their
lives, give them strength and an abiding love to carry them through.
May the covenant of their union be
filled with unconditional love, true devotion, and lifelong commitment to one
another from this moment on.
And, so it is.
