Tradition Tuesday: El Lazo (Lasso)

Throughout the ages, the marriage ceremony has always been a fertile bed for the seeds of superstition and changing customs. These seeds still thrive among some faith based traditions like El Lazo (Lasso). This tradition is usually performed within Hispanic and Filipino families and is associated with a wedding prayer during the ceremony.

The symbolism of the Lazo (Lasso) is to show the union and protection of marriage.

Lazo (sometimes called, "lasso") or rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders (groom's shoulder's first) in the form of an "8" (the infinity symbol) - after they have exchanged their vows - to symbolize their everlasting union. This is usually done by the officiant/priest, however, family members can also take part in this ritual. The couple wears the lazo (lasso) throughout the remainder of the ceremony.

The Lazo (Lasso) is sometimes made of rosary beads, white ribbon, flowers, fabric, silver, crystal or elaborately painted wood. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists. If the couple has children; they may also be included as they will definitely be a part of the new family.

After the prayer and before either attempts to rise, at the end of the ceremony, the lazo(lasso) is removed by the same people who put it on and given to the bride as a memento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home and shows their promise to always be together side-by-side.

The Unity Candle

The lighting of a unity candle is performed to symbolize the pledge of unity between the bride and groom, the merging of two families, and their love for the bride and groom.

More often it is to symbolize the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment. The popular explanation is that the taper candles are lit by representatives from each family (usually the mothers of the bride and groom) to symbolize the love and allegiance that each family has for either the bride or the groom. As the bride and groom use these two flames to light the unity candle (usually after formal vows), they bring the love of both families together in a united love of the new couple. Generally, the two tapers are left burning and replaced in their holders (because each family's love for their own will continue). However, in some ceremonies they may blow out their individual candles to symbolize the extinguishing of their two single lives.

Shown Personalized Unity Candle by For Your Event Planning

Often the unity candle is personalized complementing the wedding invitation, with the couple's monogram, or other ornamentation; crystals, ribbon etc... The candles are almost always white or ivory. The lighting ceremony may be accompanied by special music, an explanation of the symbolism, or just some period of mutual gazing by the happy couple. In some circles, it is customary for the couple to save the unity candle and relight it on anniversaries.

Tip: Make sure that there aren't any decorative beads, ribbon or lace around the flame of the candles - they can easily catch fire. Consider pre-lighting the taper candles and the Unity candle to make them easier to light in outdoor ceremonies. If your ceremony is outdoors, always have several extra lighters nearby in case the wind decides to blow the candles out and/or try putting the Unity Candle inside a glass hurricane lamp can be very helpful in protecting from the wind/breeze.