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What does the lighting of the unity candle mean?


Weddings are a celebration of love and commitment between two people. It’s a beautiful event that symbolizes unity between two families, as well as the creation of a new one. Many couples choose to include special traditions in their wedding ceremonies to further signify the unification of their lives. One of these traditions is the lighting of the unity candle.

The unity candle ceremony is a moment during the wedding where two individual candles are lit to represent the two separate lives of the bride and groom. The candles are then used to light a third larger candle, referred to as the unity candle. The lighting of the unity candle symbolizes the joining together of two individuals and their families, creating a new family and a new beginning.

The ceremony begins with each of the bride and groom’s mothers lighting a taper candle from their respective sides of the altar. Then, the bride and groom each take a taper candle, also known as side candles, and together, they light the unity candle.

The unity candle can be decorated in numerous ways, from personalized engravings to decorative candles with the bride and groom’s initials. It is typically placed at the center of the altar where the couple stands. Some couples opt for a specific song to be played during this moment, while others simply bask in the silence and gravity of the custom.

The History of the Unity Candle Tradition

The unity candle is a relatively new tradition that gained popularity in the 20th century. It originally stemmed from the Catholic wedding mass, where two small candles were used to represent the couple’s baptism. The lighting of the unity candle was used to signify the light of Christ entering into their marriage.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the lighting of the unity candle began to transcend religious ceremonies and became a popular aspect in secular weddings. It became a beautiful symbol of the union of two individuals and their families.

The Symbolism of the Unity Candle Ceremony

The lighting of the unity candle has significant symbolism that extends beyond the wedding day. The candles themselves represent the two distinct lives and personalities that the bride and groom possess. Despite their differences, those candles create a beautiful and meaningful union.

The act of lighting the unity candle also represents the light of love entering into the couple’s lives. It signifies the newly joined family’s brightness and warmth throughout marriage.

The ceremony itself is also important because it merges the two sides of the family into one. It’s not just the bride and groom who are being united, but it’s also their families. It’s the coming together of two separate families with different backgrounds, experiences, and traditions. The lighting of the unity candle signifies the blending of these two families into one.

Additionally, the unity candle will serve as a reminder of the love they share. Every time they look at the candle burning in their home, they’ll be transported back to the moment where they made their vows to each other.

Alternatives to the Unity Candle

While the unity candle is a romantic tradition, it’s not for everyone. A few alternatives to the unity candle ceremony can still symbolize the unity of two people in marriage.

One option is the unity sand ceremony, which involves the couple pouring two vials of sand into a larger container. The mixture represents the coming together of two individuals into one union. This ceremony is great for beach weddings, and the sand used is often colored to match the wedding’s theme or styles.

Another option is the unity water ceremony, where two separate, colored bodies of water are poured into a single container. The colors of the water combine, symbolizing the union of the couple. This ceremony is perfect for outdoor wedding venues, like gardens or parks.

Conclusion

The lighting of the unity candle is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony. It serves as a reminder of the love and commitment two individuals share and the coming together of two families. However, if the unity candle isn’t your style, there are a variety of alternatives that still uphold the tradition’s symbolic nature. Ultimately, the wedding ceremony should reflect the personalities, needs, and desires of the couple. The unity candle ceremony is just one way to bring different people together in a union of love and commitment.

FAQ

What order do you light candles in church?


The use of candles in Christian worship is a common practice that dates back centuries. Candles represent the presence of God, and lighting them is considered a holy act. However, there is a specific order to lighting candles in church that is often followed to maintain the symbolic meaning of this ritual.

Traditionally, the first candle to be lit in a church service is the Christ Candle. This candle is usually located at the center of the altar and is larger than the other candles. If the Christ Candle is set out, it is lit first, and then all other candles are lit from it. If the Christ Candle is not used, then the altar candles are lit first, and the other candles are lit from them.

Following the Christ Candle or altar candles, the candles on the candelabras at the base of the large cross are then lit. Candelabras are often placed on either side of the cross, and sometimes behind the altar. When lighting the candelabras, they are usually lit from the middle (closest to the cross) to the outside.

The extinguishing of candles in church follows the same order as the lighting. When the service is over, the candelabras are first extinguished, beginning with the outermost candles and moving towards the center. After the candelabras are put out, the altar candles are blown out, followed by the Christ Candle.

The order of lighting and extinguishing candles in church is a meaningful symbolic act that must be done in the proper order. The Christ Candle is the first candle to be lit, followed by the altar candles and then the candelabras at the base of the large cross. The reverse order is followed when putting out the candles. Observing this order maintains the symbolic meaning of the ritual and honors the presence of God in the church.