An Indigenous Mexican Wedding
The Priest: Without a priest present, per Bernard, no marriage could be “solemnized” in the Mexican tradition. The priest presides over the marriage contract and performs the various rituals that constitute marriage. According to Bernard, the priest is also responsible for asking “certain precise questions” which ensure the bride and groom are ready for marriage. The author also refers to the presider as the “sacrificing-priest.”
The Veil and Mantle: One of the most significant rituals in a Mexican marriage ceremony, and one included in Picart’s engraving, is the bride’s veil and the groom’s “mantle,” or cloak.. Bernard writes, [the priest] takes up the woman’s veil and the husband’s mantle, and with one of his hands, ties them together at one corner, to signify the inward tie of the wills.” During this time, it is paramount for the bride and groom to be making eye contact for the marriage to be “perfection.” This is an interesting submission for the possible origin of the phrase “tie the knot,” which came into use in the nineteenth century and is usually attributed to Celtic or Roman traditions.