Halala Lucky!

At last, we have completed the thirteen coins which will be our arrhae!  This tradition was actually something that Filipinos acquired from the Spanish culture.  The word "arras" (the popular name of arrhae in the Philippines) means earnest money that represents the bridal dowry given by the groom and his family.  The thirteen coins represent Jesus and His twelve apostles.  During wedding ceremonies the exchange of coins represents the grooms ability to provide for his wife and the bride's trust in his ability to do so.

There are different kinds of arrhae commercially distributed by wedding suppliers, that's what I have discovered during the preps.  In our case, I wanted it to be something personal for the both of us so I asked Noel if he agrees with my suggestion of using halala, the name of the coin in Saudi Arabia.  Since this country's desert sands and scorching sun witnessed how our love for each other began, I thought that incorporating little things that spells (but not screams) Saudi-ish might be a good idea.  He liked the idea (halleluja!) so we collected new halalas and asked from friends and bakalas to give us if they have one.  Now the coins are complete and ready to be a part of the 12222012 event!

Chachaang!!