Tradition Tuesday: El Lazo (Lasso)

Throughout the ages, the marriage ceremony has always been a fertile bed for the seeds of superstition and changing customs. These seeds still thrive among some faith based traditions like El Lazo (Lasso). This tradition is usually performed within Hispanic and Filipino families and is associated with a wedding prayer during the ceremony.

The symbolism of the Lazo (Lasso) is to show the union and protection of marriage.

Lazo (sometimes called, "lasso") or rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders (groom's shoulder's first) in the form of an "8" (the infinity symbol) - after they have exchanged their vows - to symbolize their everlasting union. This is usually done by the officiant/priest, however, family members can also take part in this ritual. The couple wears the lazo (lasso) throughout the remainder of the ceremony.

The Lazo (Lasso) is sometimes made of rosary beads, white ribbon, flowers, fabric, silver, crystal or elaborately painted wood. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists. If the couple has children; they may also be included as they will definitely be a part of the new family.

After the prayer and before either attempts to rise, at the end of the ceremony, the lazo(lasso) is removed by the same people who put it on and given to the bride as a memento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home and shows their promise to always be together side-by-side.