In Mexican wedding tradition, what are the 13 coins blessed and given by the groom to the bride called?

In Mexican wedding tradition, the 13 coins blessed and given by the groom to the bride are called arras matrimoniales.

The arras are usually thirteen coins presented during a Catholic wedding ceremony. The groom gives them to the bride after they have been blessed, traditionally symbolizing his promise to provide for the household and the couple’s shared prosperity. The bride’s acceptance represents trust and mutual responsibility.

The custom developed from Spanish Catholic wedding practice and became established across much of Latin America. The number thirteen is commonly interpreted as twelve coins representing the months of the year, plus one for generosity or the poor. Exact meanings vary between families and regions.

Arras are sometimes confused with wedding rings or with the lazo, another Latin American wedding symbol. The lazo is a cord or loop placed around the couple, while arras are specifically the ceremonial coins.