subject: Saying the Magic Words "I Do": The Significance [print this page] Saying the Magic Words "I Do": The Significance
When a person responds to a question in any circumstances, in affirmative note, it is always "yes, I did", "yes, I do", "yes, I will", etc. These are normal positive responses. It means something, and it also means nothing. However, when these two words, "I do", were being uttered during a wedding ceremony, the impact is very strong and deep. Why is that? How important are these words? What are the complications of these words when being said; and on the other hand, what is the significance if these two simple words are not spoken by any of the two major participants of the wedding rites?
Weddings are special events in lives of many people especially those who wish to start their new life together as man and wife. Wedding is the signal that both, the bride and groom, are now partners in everything; together in ups and downs of marital journey, forever.
Wedding ceremonies differ depending mostly on; the religious practices of the couple, the wishes of the bride and groom and their families (garden wedding, etc.), the financial capacity of the groom (modern practices let the bride share with financial burdens), the availability of the place, and/or the time frame of the event. These all are great contributors to the kind of wedding ceremony that will take place.
Sometimes even if everything is ironed out and everyone is in their proper places, people concerned are still apprehensive. Why? Because the marriage is not yet officially done, both are yet to say the magic words "I do." The absence of this part will ruin everything. Everyone is well aware of some happenings where in, one or the other (bride or groom) suddenly is having cold feet and doubts, resulting to hesitation in saying the words or even totally withdraw from the rites.
Consents to be married are not only from the two principal subjects, the bride and groom. The parental consents are needed if the future bride or groom is under 21 years of age. Even if the parents give their consent on the marriage, the couple will not be married if one or both is under 18 years of age. Furthermore, in absence of the parents during the meeting with the local civil registrar, legal affidavit is a must. These are the Philippine Marriage Law, a lot stricter than the marriage laws in other countries. One of the reasons maybe, is because divorce is not legalized in the Philippines.
Wedding is a serious matter in the country, and so, are the wedding ceremonies and wedding vows. When the bride and the groom say "I do", they mean "until forever, you and I." Getting married, anyone?
