Las arras

What the coins mean

The number thirteen carries specific spiritual weight. Historically, the set represented the twelve months of the year plus one coin for the poor. Today, many couples view the group as Jesus alongside his twelve apostles. The physical act of handing over the coins signals the groom's promise to care for the family. The bride accepts them as a sign of her faith in his ability to do so.

How the ritual unfolds

A special attendant, often called an arrhae-bearer or coin-bearer, carries the items. This person is usually a young page who walks with the ring bearer. The coins sit inside a decorative box, pouch, or basket depending on local custom. A priest blesses the set before the exchange takes place. The groom then presents the coins directly to the bride during the service.

Where the practice began

Scholars trace the roots of this custom to ancient Rome and Visigothic Spain. Some theories suggest it evolved from Frankish marriage ceremonies that included pennies. These practices likely merged around the eleventh century. Roman traditions involved breaking metal pieces to seal a promise. Spanish customs focused more on the gift aspect rather than dowry representation.

Modern usage and law

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the Spanish text for this rite in 2010. An English version followed in 2016. The tradition sometimes appears at other life events like quinceañeras or bat mitzvahs. In legal terms, the word also describes a civil contract payment used as evidence of agreement in some jurisdictions.

How Las arras is kept

A young attendant carries the coins in a decorated container. A priest blesses the set. The groom hands the coins to the bride. She accepts them to show trust in his future provision. The ritual happens during the main wedding service.

When and where

It occurs during the Christian wedding ceremony. The date depends on when the couple chooses to marry.

The custom is strongest in Spain, Latin American nations, and the Philippines. It also appears in Hispanic communities in the United States.

What Las arras means

The coins represent the groom's duty to provide for the household. They symbolize the bride's trust in his capabilities. The number thirteen links to religious figures or the passage of time.

Who takes part

• The groom: Presents the coins to the bride
• The bride: Accepts the coins as a promise of support
• The priest: Blesses the coins before the exchange
• The arrhae-bearer: Carries the coins in a decorative case

If you are a guest

Guests watch the exchange of the coins. They witness the groom's pledge and the bride's acceptance. No specific gifts or actions are required from attendees during this part of the service.

Then and now

The rite remains common in Hispanic Christian weddings. The United States has officially adopted English versions for Catholic services. Some families use the coins for other celebrations like debutante balls.

On the wedding table

Symbols: Gold and jewellery

Questions people ask about Las arras

See also

Same-sex marriage in SpainThe national law that legalized same-sex marriage and adoption rights for couples in Spain.Common-law marriage in the United StatesA legal marriage formed without a licence or ceremony, in a few US jurisdictionsMayianThe turmeric paste ceremony held the day before Punjabi weddings in India and Pakistan.JirtigA Sudanese inauguration ritual where the groom is symbolically crowned as a king.

Good reading and sources

• Las arras on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.