Hispanic Wedding Traditions: The Thirteen Gold Coins (Trece monedas de oro)
The tradition of the thirteen gold coins originates in the Roman custom of breaking gold or silver, one half to be kept by the woman and the other half by the man, as a pledge of marriage. Today, the ceremony symbolizes that the groom is placing his trust and confidence in his bride, pledging all of his goods into her care and safekeeping. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, the coins also represent good fortune and prosperity, and they become a part of their family heirloom. The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles.
In Spain, the groom gives his bride the coins before the the ceremony. The bride then carries them in a small bag during the ceremony as a sign that the groom has pledged his support and care of her.
During Catholic ceremonies in Panama and Mexico, the coins are incorporated into the ceremony itself. They are blessed by the priest and pass through the hands of the newlyweds several times. Near the end of the ceremony, the priest places the coins in the box and coins and hands them to the groom. The groom will then pour the coins into the bride’s cupped hands and places the box on top. Sometimes their hands are tied with a ribbon for this portion of the ceremony.
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