Marriage is a Partnership

There is an old tradition carried out in Mexican weddings called the "Exchanging of the Arras". It goes like this:

Following the exchange of vows, and before they are pronounced husband and wife, the groom places 13 coins (the "arras"), symbolizing the couple's future prosperity, in the hands of the bride, saying "Receive these coins as a symbol of my commitment that I will always provide for us and our children." The bride then responds "I receive these coins as a symbol of my commitment that I will manage them well."

The precise meaning of this tradition may have evolved through the centuries, and in modern times many homes have dual incomes, but the ritual is still relevant as a symbol and reminder of our commitment to our spouse of becoming partners for life, sharing and managing our prosperity as a loving unit.