The wedding ritual regardless of historical period, geographic location or culture has several characteristics in common:

•A bride and groom come together as one unit

•A religious ceremony is conducted followed by feasting or other celebration function. The community recognizes the couple. Traditionally, the bride is seen as leaving her parent’s care and becoming the responsibility of her husband.

•There is an exchange of gifts or offerings

Whether viewed historically or in contemporary terms, each culture has its unique wedding rites. One aspect of the wedding ceremony is universal; within each culture, the religious association does influence the ceremonial rituals.

When we look at the religious associations of the Asian nations, the Philippines is the only nation with a large Roman Catholic population. The balance of religious affiliations in the Philippines is Aligpayan, Protestant and Muslim.

The dominating religion of Catholicism in the Philippines came as a result of the Spanish influence after 1570. Part of the Spanish customs in courtship included serenading, singing and reciting poetry.

Today, couples usually make the decision as to whom they wish to marry. Marrying for love, like many contemporary cultures, is desirable. Since family is important in the Philippines, the family itself is involved in the dating and marriage procedure.

Specific dating and marriage customs vary depending on where the couple lives. In the city, a couple may go out for dinner and dancing. In a rural community, the man may serenade his love beneath her bedroom window.

When a man decides that he wishes to wed a woman, his parents visit her house and present a gift. Gifts can be as extravagant as offering to build a home or paying for a college education. In some rural areas, the bride’s family may offer a large dowry to the groom. In turn, the groom’s family is responsible for the wedding costs including gifts and wedding apparel.

The marriage and ceremony celebrations are typically performed at the local Catholic Church. A family’s participation in the event is important. Therefore, it is rare that a couple makes the decision to elope or join in marriage via a civil ceremony.

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