Why is a Wedding Lasso Rosary Used?
Weddings are ceremonies steeped in tradition. When it comes to planning a wedding, many couples choose to incorporate customs into their religious ceremony that are unique to their culture. While weddings today have long abandoned ancient customs that were once popular (such as Roman brides wearing herbs under their veils as a symbol of fertility) many traditions remain.
One such tradition is the wedding lasso rosary, popular in Mexican, Filipino, and Spanish communities. During the religious ceremony, a large rosary is placed around the bride and groom as a symbol of unity. Although the wedding lasso rosary is popular in certain cultures, a popular trend among brides today is looking to other cultures for wedding inspiration. If you’re looking for a unique and symbolic ritual to incorporate into your upcoming wedding ceremony, the wedding lasso rosary just may be what you’ve been searching for.
Let’s take a closer look at this tradition.
What Is a Wedding Lasso Rosary?
A wedding lasso rosary, also called el lazo, is an oversized rosary, large enough to be entwined (lassoed) around the couple. After the couple has exchanged their vows, their wedding sponsors (witnesses) called el padrino and la madrina, place the rosary around the couple’s shoulders, starting with groom’s shoulder and then the bride’s shoulder, to form a figure eight shape. The priest recites a prayer, similar to the following: "Let the union of binding together this rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary be an inspiration to you both. Remember the holiness necessary to preserve your new family can only be obtained by mutual sacrifice and love." The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. At the end of the ceremony the lasso is removed by the priest or by the wedding sponsors who placed the lasso around the couple.
What Does the Wedding Lasso Rosary Symbolize?
The “lassoing” act is a symbol of unifying the couple together in marriage for their entire lives. This custom is similar to the lighting of a unity candle used in many Catholic weddings. The couple is to share the responsibility of marriage and raising a family. The figure eight also represents the mathematical symbol for infinity--no beginning and no end. The number eight in the Bible is also the number of new beginnings. The use of rosary beads in this ritual is also significant; using a rosary reflects that the bride and groom are forever bound together in unity by God.
Why Are Brides Choosing to "Be Lassoed" At Their Weddings?
Even couples of non-Mexican, Filipino, or Spanish descent are choosing to include this symbolic practice in their weddings. Why? You’ll often hear brides say they want “something different” for their wedding, something that’s “unique and meaningful”. Whether it’s a tradition that’s been handed down from generations in your family, or a newly adopted tradition from another culture, it’s these special touches that make your wedding distinctive and expressive. The lassoing part of your ceremony will definitely pique your guests’ interest, especially if they’re not familiar with this tradition.
What Does a Lasso Rosary Look Like?
A rosary lasso is made by linking two rosaries together, joined in the center by one crucifix. There are different styles of lasso rosaries to choose from to reflect your taste. Our lasso rosaries are made of different materials and finishes so you can find the one that best complements your wedding theme. If you’re a bride-to-be who’s planning a formal, black-tie ceremony the Pearl Lasso Wedding Rosary is the perfect rosary to match your refined wedding. Another great option for an elegant-themed wedding is the Pearl Lasso Wedding Rosary with Silver Tone Accents, or the shimmery Crystal Lasso Wedding Rosary with Silver-tone Accents.
Example Wedding Lasso Rosaries
Silver Tone and Crystal Wedding Lasso Rosary
Gold Tone Crystal Bead Lasso Wedding Rosary
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