Wedding ceremonies are full of symbolism, from the rings exchanged by the bride and groom to the unity candle lit by the couple. One lesser-known symbolic ritual is the Unity Cross, a multi-piece sculpture assembled by the bride and groom during the ceremony. While it may not be as well-known as some other wedding traditions, the Unity Cross holds significant meaning for those who choose to incorporate it into their special day. In this blog post, we will explore the history and meaning of the Unity Cross and why it has become a popular addition to many modern weddings.
The History of the Unity Cross
The Unity Cross is a relatively new wedding tradition that originated in the United States in the early 2000s. It was created by Michael Letney, who owns a custom woodworking company in Oklahoma. Letney designed the Unity Cross after he and his wife struggled to find a meaningful symbol for their own wedding ceremony.
According to Letney, the design of the Unity Cross is based on the Bible verse Ephesians 5:31-32, which states: “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church.” The Unity Cross represents the idea that when two become one in marriage, they are also united with Christ.
How the Unity Cross Works
The Unity Cross is made up of three pieces: a wooden base, a vertical wooden cross, and a horizontal wooden cross. The groom holds the wooden base, which has a hole in the center where the vertical cross fits snugly. The bride then takes the horizontal cross, which has a dove-shaped piece that slides into the vertical cross to hold everything together.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each take their respective piece of the Unity Cross and bring them together to assemble the sculpture. Once the Unity Cross is assembled, it remains on display as a symbol of the couple’s union and faith.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Unity Cross
The Unity Cross is a powerful symbol of the couple’s commitment to one another and their shared faith. The wooden base represents the foundation of the marriage, with the vertical cross representing the groom’s role as the spiritual leader of the family. The horizontal cross represents the bride’s role as the heart of the family, and the dove-shaped piece that holds the two pieces together is a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives.
The Unity Cross is also a physical representation of the couple’s union. When the two separate pieces are brought together and assembled, they create a single, unified sculpture. This symbolizes how the bride and groom become one in marriage, with their individual lives and identities merging to form a new, unified family.
The Importance of Incorporating the Unity Cross Into Your Wedding
While the Unity Cross may not be as well-known as some other wedding traditions, it is a meaningful and powerful symbol that can add depth and significance to your wedding ceremony. By incorporating the Unity Cross into your wedding, you are making a public declaration of your commitment to one another and your shared faith.
The Unity Cross can also serve as a reminder of the importance of faith throughout your marriage. Displayed in your home, it can act as a visual symbol of your commitment to Christ and to one another. Seeing the Unity Cross on a daily basis can help keep your relationship centered on faith and can serve as a powerful reminder of the bond the two of you share.
Conclusion
The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any wedding ceremony. Its powerful symbolism represents the bride and groom’s commitment to one another and their shared faith, as well as the physical merging of their lives and identities. By incorporating the Unity Cross into your wedding, you are creating a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to one another that will serve as a reminder of the importance of faith throughout your marriage.
FAQ
What does the Unity Cross symbolize?
The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful symbol that has become popular in many Christian wedding ceremonies. The Unity Cross is also known as God’s Cross and represents the unity between the husband and wife, as well as their unity with God. It is a cross that is made up of three parts: the base, the bride’s piece, and the groom’s piece.
The base of the Unity Cross represents God’s love and foundation in the union of marriage. It also symbolizes the support and stability that God provides to the marriage. The base is shaped like a cross, which is a powerful and well-known Christian symbol that represents the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.
The bride’s piece of the Unity Cross represents the beauty and capabilities of the woman. It is designed with a delicate floral pattern that is reminiscent of the intricate details of the bridal gown. The bride’s piece is a delicate piece that fits into the base of the cross, which represents that the woman is the heart of the home and brings beauty and tenderness to the marriage.
The groom’s piece of the Unity Cross is also a necessary component of the symbol. It represents the strength, leadership, and protection of the man. The groom’s piece is designed with a rugged, masculine texture that is reminiscent of tree bark. This toughness and texture symbolize the strength and support that the man brings to the marriage. The groom’s piece is placed over the bride’s piece in the base of the cross, representing his leadership role in the union.
Finally, the Unity cross is a powerful reminder of the commitment that the couple has made to each other and to God. As they come together during the ceremony to place their individual pieces into the base of the cross, they are showing their commitment and willingness to work together to build a strong, united, and faith-based marriage.
The Unity Cross is a beautiful symbol that represents the unity between the husband and wife, as well as their unity with God. As they come together to create the cross, they are showing their commitment to love, honor, and respect each other in their journey as a married couple.
How does Unity Cross work at wedding?
The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful symbol that represents the sacred covenant of marriage. This unique and thoughtful addition to a wedding ceremony creates a lasting reminder of the Bride and Groom coming together with their faith in Christ, beginning a lifelong journey as one.
At its core, the Unity Cross is a physical representation of the biblical principle that the two shall become one. The sculpture consists of two separate pieces: an outer cross and an inner cross. During the ceremony, the Bride and Groom each hold one of these pieces, signifying their individual lives before marriage. The outer cross represents the Groom, who is the strength and covering for his family and home, yet incomplete without his Bride. The inner cross represents the Bride, who is the beauty and grace that completes the Groom.
As the couple joins the two pieces of the Unity Cross together, it symbolizes the coming together of the two individuals, their families, and their faith. The Unity Cross is a powerful reminder that marriage is not just a union of two people, but also a union of two families, and most importantly, a union in Christ.
In addition to its symbolic meaning, the Unity Cross also serves as a beautiful and unique decoration. It is often displayed prominently on an altar or table during the wedding ceremony, and afterwards, as a cherished memento of the special day.
The Unity Cross is a powerful and meaningful symbol that celebrates the beauty and sacredness of marriage. It is a wonderful addition to any wedding ceremony, and a beautiful way for couples to begin their lifelong journey together.
What do you say at a Unity Cross ceremony?
During a Unity Cross ceremony, the celebrant or minister usually delivers some words of wisdom to the couple and the guests present. The Unity Cross ceremony is a symbol of the couple’s faith in Christ and how it plays an important role in their marriage. It is a time where the couple publicly proclaim their trust in God to guide them through their journey together.
At the start of the ceremony, the celebrant may take a moment to explain the symbolism of the cross. The cross represents Christ at the center of the couple’s marriage. The outer pieces of the cross represent the bride and groom, and the three pegs on the inside represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This symbolizes the couple’s commitment to keeping God at the center of their marriage.
After the explanation, the celebrant may share some words of wisdom that encourage the couple to continue to put their faith in God. They may talk about the importance of communication, trust, forgiveness, and selflessness, and how relying on God can help strengthen these areas of the marriage. Additionally, the celebrant may mention that the Unity Cross is a visible reminder of the couple’s commitment to Christ and to each other.
Then, the celebrant may invite the couple to come forward to assemble the Unity Cross. As the couple assembles the cross, the celebrant may invite the guests to pray silently or together, blessing the couple and their union.
Finally, the celebrant may close the ceremony with a final prayer, asking God to bless and guide the couple’s marriage. They may also remind the couple of their commitment to each other and to Christ. It is an opportunity for the couple and the guests to leave the ceremony feeling fulfilled and renewed in their faith.