Weddings are full of symbolism. The white dress symbolizes purity and virginity, while the ring symbolizes eternity and commitment. Perhaps the most popular wedding symbol is the lighting of the unity candle. Couples light a single candle together in a sign of their union, representing the two individuals becoming one. But with changes in society and cultural practices, it’s worth asking: are unity candles still a thing?
A Brief History of Unity Candles
While lighting a unity candle during a wedding ceremony may seem like an ancient tradition, it’s actually relatively new. The practice gained popularity in the 1980s, with its roots in Christianity. The unity candle symbolizes the unity of Christ and his bride, the church. The bride and groom each have their own candle, representing their individual spirits, which they light together to show their commitment to each other and to God.
Over time, the practice has evolved and become more secular, with the specific religious connotations less important to many couples. Today, lighting a unity candle is seen as a way to add a meaningful and symbolic moment to the ceremony, no matter what the couple’s religious or spiritual beliefs may be.
Alternatives to the Unity Candle
While the unity candle remains popular, many couples are looking for alternatives that reflect their individuality and relationship. Here are some options for those who would like to incorporate a symbolic moment into their ceremony, but are looking for something a little different:
Unity Sand Ceremony
In a unity sand ceremony, the couple pours sand from two separate vessels into a single container, representing the coming together of two individuals into one. Each color of sand can represent something different, such as the couple’s individual personalities or their families. The resulting container of mixed sand is a keepsake the couple can cherish for years to come.
Handfasting Ceremony
A handfasting ceremony is an ancient Celtic practice in which the couple’s hands are bound together with a cord or ribbon, symbolizing their unity and commitment. This symbol is especially meaningful to couples who have a connection to their Irish or Celtic heritage.
Unity Planting Ceremony
In a unity planting ceremony, the couple plants a tree or other type of plant together, symbolizing their growth and commitment to nurturing their love and relationship. The plant can be incorporated into the couple’s garden or displayed in their home as a reminder of their wedding day.
Why Some Couples are Choosing not to Incorporate Symbolic Moments
Despite the many options available, some couples are choosing to forgo symbolic moments altogether. While the unity candle and other practices may hold meaning for some, others see them as unnecessary and possibly outdated. Modern couples may feel that they don’t need these traditional symbols to show their commitment to each other or their guests.
Additionally, some couples may have personal reasons for choosing not to incorporate symbolism in their ceremony, such as wanting to keep the focus on their love and relationship rather than on rituals or tradition.
Conclusion
So, are unity candles still a thing? The answer is complicated. While the practice of lighting a unity candle remains popular, many couples are branching out and exploring alternative, more meaningful symbolic moments. Some couples are even choosing to forgo symbolism altogether, preferring to focus on their relationship without the trappings of tradition. Ultimately, each couple should choose the ceremony that feels right for them – after all, the most important thing is that they’re committing to a lifetime of love together.
FAQ
What do you do with a unity candle after the wedding?
After the wedding ceremony, the unity candle is usually kept by the couple as a cherished keepsake. Many couples will display their unity candle in their home, either on a mantle, shelf or as a centrepiece. Some couples choose to have the unity candle engraved with their names, wedding date or a personal message which adds extra significance to the candle as a memento of their special day.
Another popular idea is to use the unity candle at future significant events such as wedding anniversaries, vow renewals or family celebrations and light the candle together symbolizing the strength of their love and commitment.
It’s important to note that unity candles should never be lit again for another wedding ceremony. It is a special and unique ritual for each couple and should not be replicated. It can, however, be incorporated into other personal ceremonies or celebrations to commemorate the love between the couple.
Finally, it’s worth noting that unity candles come in a range of styles, colors and designs so couples can choose one that matches the theme or style of their wedding. From traditional white candles to colored or scented varieties, with plenty of options available, the unity candle can be an important and beautiful part of any wedding ceremony.
Do Catholics do unity candles?
The Unity Candle Ceremony is a popular tradition that is commonly practiced in various religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies. However, this practice is not commonly seen in Catholic weddings. In fact, Catholic Tradition considers the reception of the Holy Eucharist as the foundation for Christian unity, and therefore, Catholic wedding ceremonies do not include the Unity Candle Ceremony.
Moreover, the Catholic Church has recently updated the Rite of Marriage, which has eliminated provisions for the Unity Candle Ceremony. The newly revised rite of marriage emphasizes the central role of the Eucharist, the exchange of vows, and the blessing and exchange of wedding rings, among other significant elements of the Catholic wedding ceremony.
The reception of the Holy Eucharist, also known as Communion, is considered the center and culmination of the Catholic wedding ceremony. The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is seen as a symbol of the couple’s unity with each other and with Christ. Through this sacrament, the couple participates in the divine love of Christ, and their marriage is recognized as a sacred and sacramental bond blessed by God.
The Unity Candle Ceremony is not a part of the Catholic wedding ceremony, and the Catholic Church instead emphasizes the importance of the reception of the Holy Eucharist as the heart of Christian unity. The Catholic Church values the tradition of sacraments and blessings, and hence, the wedding ceremony comprises several meaningful and sacred rituals.
What religion uses unity candles?
The use of unity candles is a tradition primarily associated with the Christian faith and is commonly practiced during wedding ceremonies. The tradition involves lighting three candles: one represents the bride, another represents the groom, and the third represents their covenant marriage. The three candles are usually displayed on a table near the altar or the front of the church where the wedding is taking place.
During the ceremony, often after exchanging vows and rings, the bride and groom each take their individual candles and use them to light the unity candle together. The act of lighting the unity candle symbolizes the coming together of the two individuals and the formation of a new family unit.
While many couples may choose to include the unity candle ceremony in their wedding, it is not a requirement for Christian marriage or for any other religious marriage ceremony. The use of the unity candle is simply a tradition that has become popular amongst Christian weddings over the years.
It is also worth noting that the unity candle can sometimes be used in ceremonies outside of Christian weddings as well. It is not uncommon to see the unity candle used in interfaith weddings or at non-religious weddings where couples may want to include symbolic gestures to represent their unity and commitment to each other.
The use of unity candles is primarily associated with the Christian faith and is a tradition commonly used during wedding ceremonies. The lighting of the unity candle represents the coming together of the bride and groom and the formation of a new family unit. While the use of the unity candle is not required for Christian marriage or any other religious marriage ceremony, it has become a popular and meaningful tradition for many couples.