Traditions:: The Lasso ( El Lazo)

One of our September couples will be incorporating this tradition into their ceremony.
As a way of symbolizing unity, a large loop of rosary beads or lasso (cord) is placed in a "8" shape around the necks of the new couple after they exchange vows. The loop is symbolic of the couple's love which should bring them together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.
A double rosary lasso may be given by one set of parents and be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.

The lasso is sometimes made of entwined orange blossoms (symbolizing fertility and happiness).

A special person/couple places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, the groom's shoulder first. The lasso may also be tied around the couple's wrist. The couple then wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service.

At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple or the priest. Its then given to the bride as a memento.