Before the Philippines was colonized, the wedding ceremony would have the gifts of relatives and friends catalogued—a practice that is slightly reminiscent of our modern gift registry today.
Each relative and friend attending the marriage brought some present. This was carefully and accurately logged. For if Pedro gave two kaings of fruit, the same was gifted him or to the next wedding in his house. The gift monies received were used in the pamamahay, or furnishing of the new couple’s house.
Rich relatives sometimes gave the couple jewelry as a mark of affection. This belonged to the bride and no one else.
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Source:
Ira, L.B. 1990. Guidebook to the Filipino Wedding. Manila: Vera-Reyes
