FILIPINOS have shown a preference for tying the knot in December, February, and April, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In 2022, December emerged as the most preferred month for marriage, with 55,599 registered marriages, accounting for 12.4 percent of the total in the Southeast Asian country.
February ranked second with 52,426 marriages, or 11.7 percent of the total, followed by April with 44,600 marriages, or 9.9 percent. On the other hand, November recorded the lowest number with 23,862 registered marriages.
The PSA reported a significant increase in the number of marriages in 2022, with a total of 449,428 marriages, representing a 25.9 percent jump from the previous year. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, there was a 4 percent increase in marriages from 2019 to 2022.
While the PSA did not provide a specific explanation for the popularity of December as the preferred month for marriage among Filipinos, analysts suggest that the cool weather and the long Christmas holiday contribute to this trend. December is a favorite time for Filipinos to gather and hold annual reunions to celebrate the festive season.
The data also revealed the age at which most couples in the country choose to get married. In 2022, the median age of marriage was 30 years old for men and 28 years old for women.
When it comes to wedding ceremonies, the majority of couples in the Philippines opt for civil ceremonies. According to the data, 43.3 percent of the total registered marriages in 2022 were contracted through civil ceremonies, marking a 3.7 percentage point increase from the previous year.
About one-third of the total marriages in the country last year were officiated in the Roman Catholic Church, while approximately one in four were performed in other religious rites. Marriages solemnized in Muslim traditions accounted for 1 percent of the total registered marriages, whereas 0.8 percent were performed in tribal ceremonies.
The popularity of certain months for marriage in the Philippines can be attributed to a combination of cultural and practical factors. December, with its cool weather and long Christmas holiday, provides an ideal setting for couples to gather with loved ones and celebrate their union. February, often associated with love and romance due to Valentine’s Day, also sees a high number of marriages. April, on the other hand, may be favored due to its pleasant weather and the start of the summer season.
It is worth noting that the increase in the number of marriages from 2019 to 2022, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, reflects the resilience and determination of couples to celebrate their love and commitment. The rise in civil ceremonies suggests a growing trend towards more personalized and non-traditional wedding celebrations.
As the data highlights, the Philippines is a diverse country with various religious traditions. While the majority of marriages occur in the Roman Catholic Church, there is also a significant representation of other religious rites and even tribal ceremonies.
In conclusion, the popularity of certain months for marriage in the Philippines, such as December, February, and April, can be attributed to a combination of cultural, practical, and weather-related factors. The increase in the number of marriages despite the pandemic demonstrates the enduring desire of Filipinos to celebrate their love and commitment. Whether through civil ceremonies or religious rites, each wedding reflects the unique traditions and values of the couple and their community.
Source: The Manila Times
