Our Wedding Arrhae

We visited two wedding expos this year.  We were not only out on a hunt for big discounts, but we were also scouting for fresh ideas.

In our first wedding expo, organized by Themes & Motifs, we came across an interesting set of arrhae by Endless Treasures.  It turned out that Endless Treasures is a brand by Golden Hills Jewelry - one of the well-know wedding ring retailers in the Philippines. We didn't buy the set for we thought it was way too early.  In our second expo, organized by Weddings at Work, we saw it again at a discounted price. Without hesitation, we bought a gold-silver set.

Arrhae or arras (Spanish, meaning 'earnest money') or unity coins are very much part of the Catholic wedding ceremony here in the Philippines.  The coins are stored in a wooden box (madrina de arras), or specially designed basket or pouch.  In theological realm, a set is composed of 13 coins to represent Jesus and the twelve apostles. The coins symbolize the 13 Christian virtues.

During the wedding ceremony, the groom presents it to his bride. The arrhae are blessed by the priest. It symbolizes the groom's promise to provide for the family; and the bride, by accepting the coins, expresses her confidence in the groom's ability to do so.

 

Our Wedding Arrhae by Endless Treasures;
Narra box - I bought it from an antique shop in Vigan (was it a sign?)

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Arrhae by Endless Treasures include a script which provides a beautiful explanation of each of the virtues. Here's the original text by Endless Treasures. :)

Love

Among all these virtues, the greatest is Love. Love is caring and accepting truthfully within reason.  One has to love and be loved.  Sincere love is the essence of life.


Forgiveness

To forgive is to bring peace to the self and to others. It is showing mercy and moving on despite mistakes. Forgiving involves change that gives hope.

Wisdom

Being wise is speaking and acting with knowledge. Wisdom is being prudent in what one does and deciding for the better even if it can sometimes be hard and painful.


Spirituality

Going beyond the visible is the core of spirituality. It is the need for inner meaning, connection, and transformation.  Spirituality looks into the heart, mind, soul, and spirit.


Respect

Respect begins with knowing the value then one can treat and serve properly. It is important to learn self-respect to respect and be respected by others. Respecting also asks for humility.


Gratitude

A thankful heart gives joy. Gratitude is acknowledging the smallest to the biggest efforts and blessings with thanksgiving. It can be through words, gestures, or material things.


Perseverance

To be successful for a person and relationship, it is important to persevere. Perseverance is patiently enduring and working hard. When one earns something, it becomes more precious.


Trust

Trust is having absolute faith in someone or something considering the risks. It is being faithful to oneself and others. The stronger the trust, the deeper the bond.

Optimism

Positivity in all circumstances and finding opportunities are necessary to live. It is optimism.  Being optimistic is highly encouraging.


Integrity

Integrity is upholding one's righteousness and principles. Words and actions must match. Acknowledging and applying higher righteousness develops integrity.


Discipline

To have discipline means to be able to control the self. It is about managing and balancing time, space, and responsibilities. Being disciplined also prevents acting on temptations.


Gentleness


Those who are gentle are understanding individuals. Gentleness is being able to control one's emotions even in unlikely situations. To be gentle is to be the better person.


Passion

Passion is the intense feeling and enthusiasm within a person.  It is what drives one to do something without losing interest. Passion is exciting.