The unity candle ceremony involves three candles; a candle each for the bride and groom and a single candle
representing their union. The individual tapers can be lit prior to or during the unity candle ceremony.
A nice touch is to have the parents light their child's taper at the beginning of the ceremony or right before
the couple approaches. This act symbolizes the continuity of family and the sharing of the "eternal light of
life". The couple use their individual tapers to light the one large candle together. The lighting of the single
candle symbolizes two individuals joining as one.
Once the unity candle has been lit, there are two options for the individual tapers. They can be
extinguished, signifying the couple's willingness to put the needs of their marriage before their individual
needs. Or the individual tapers can remain lit, symbolizing the individual strengths the bride and groom
contribute to their union. Some couples choose to incorporate a small prayer or blessing during the lighting of
the unity candle.
This old Irish blessing is particularly sweet:
May the blessing of light be on you - light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great fire.
Unity candles are not associated with any one religion. However, they may be discouraged from more
conservative Catholic or Jewish services as the unity candle is not strictly part of the wedding liturgy.
Therefore it is more common to see unity candles at Protestant or non-religious wedding ceremonies.
Selected from: www.YourWedding101.com
representing their union. The individual tapers can be lit prior to or during the unity candle ceremony.
A nice touch is to have the parents light their child's taper at the beginning of the ceremony or right before
the couple approaches. This act symbolizes the continuity of family and the sharing of the "eternal light of
life". The couple use their individual tapers to light the one large candle together. The lighting of the single
candle symbolizes two individuals joining as one.
Once the unity candle has been lit, there are two options for the individual tapers. They can be
extinguished, signifying the couple's willingness to put the needs of their marriage before their individual
needs. Or the individual tapers can remain lit, symbolizing the individual strengths the bride and groom
contribute to their union. Some couples choose to incorporate a small prayer or blessing during the lighting of
the unity candle.
This old Irish blessing is particularly sweet:
May the blessing of light be on you - light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great fire.
Unity candles are not associated with any one religion. However, they may be discouraged from more
conservative Catholic or Jewish services as the unity candle is not strictly part of the wedding liturgy.
Therefore it is more common to see unity candles at Protestant or non-religious wedding ceremonies.
Selected from: www.YourWedding101.com
The Unity Candle
Lighting a unity candle is a beautiful and moving addition to the
wedding ceremony. The lighting of candles has long been practiced
in cultural and religious rituals, but the unity candle ceremony is
relatively new. As such, there are no set rules on how to perform a
unity candle ceremony.
The unity candle is normally lit once the wedding vows and wedding
rings have been exchanged. The ceremony can be performed at the
church altar, off to the side of the altar, etc. If getting married
outdoors, it's a good idea to have a large glass hurricane lamp.
If there is just a touch of wind - the candle may be difficult to light.
wedding ceremony. The lighting of candles has long been practiced
in cultural and religious rituals, but the unity candle ceremony is
relatively new. As such, there are no set rules on how to perform a
unity candle ceremony.
The unity candle is normally lit once the wedding vows and wedding
rings have been exchanged. The ceremony can be performed at the
church altar, off to the side of the altar, etc. If getting married
outdoors, it's a good idea to have a large glass hurricane lamp.
If there is just a touch of wind - the candle may be difficult to light.
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
