Latin in Marriage Record and veiling ceremony

Victoriano,

I can think of various translations of the verb "velar."
1.- [common] To stay awake, not to sleep; even as when "working the 'third
shift.' "
2.- [religion] To keep vigil. As in Rosaries and accompanying the body
throughout the night in funerals.
3.- [variant] To keep watch (hacer guardia).
4.- [figurative] To veil, to obscure, to hide.

In the instant case, I am convinced that it is a variation of number 4, and
relates to that integral portion of the catholic marriage ceremony where
the face of the bride is "unveiled" by the priest, and in modern ceremonies
commonly performed jointly by the best man and the maid of honor. In this
same context, we can note that "veiling ceremonies" sometimes were
conducted, at sites separate from where the marriage ceremony was
conducted, in such cases as when the bride and groom were 'vecinos' of
different parishes.

Hope this is not too confusing.

Efrain

> [Original Message]
> From: victorianonavarro
> To:
> Date: 6/12/2007 8:16:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [Nuestros Ranchos] Latin in Marriage Record
>
>
> A non literal translation could be:
> "After doing all I was supposed to do according to the Catholic rites, I
marry and watch over before the Church (or in the front part of the
building, as conrique says) these persons..."
> Or:
> "after the formalities and examination of the christian doctrine I marry
and I watch over before the Church, this guy and his bride...."
> Regards,
> VN