The Unity Candle is a tradition that has become popular at wedding ceremonies in many Christian denominations. Three candles, typically two smaller ones that represent the bride and groom and a larger one that represents the covenant of their marriage, are used in this ceremony. The two smaller candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and groom, and then the bride and groom use those candles to light the larger candle together, symbolizing the joining of two into one.
But where did this tradition come from, and is there any biblical basis for it?
The Origins of the Unity Candle
The exact origins of the Unity Candle are unclear, but it seems to have started in the United States in the 1960s or 70s. It may have been inspired by other unity ceremonies, like the Unity Sand or Unity Cross. The Unity Candle quickly caught on as a popular wedding tradition due to its simple yet powerful symbolism.
Symbolism of the Unity Candle
The Unity Candle is a beautiful symbol of the joining of two as one in marriage. The two smaller candles represent the indiviual lives, families, and experiences of the bride and groom. By lighting the larger candle together, they are symbolizing the covenant of their marriage and the new life they are beginning together.
One interpretation of the Unity Candle is that it represents the Trinity, with the two smaller candles representing the Father and the Son, and the larger candle representing the Holy Spirit. By lighting the two smaller candles together, the bride and groom are symbolizing their relationship with the Father and Son. By lighting the larger candle together, they are inviting the Holy Spirit to be present in their marriage and help guide them in their new life together.
Biblical Basis for Unity Candle Ceremony
Although the Unity Candle ceremony is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the symbolism behind it can be connected to several biblical passages.
Firstly, the scripture that is commonly read during the Unity Candle ceremony is from Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh”. This passage emphasizes the covenant of marriage and the idea that two separate individuals are becoming “one flesh” through their union. The Unity Candle beautifully represents this concept as the two become one through the lighting of the larger candle.
Additionally, there are several passages in the Bible that discuss light and the role it plays in our lives and relationships. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The lighting of candles has long been a symbol of hope and joy, and the Unity Candle ceremony serves as a reminder that Christ’s light is present in the couple’s marriage and will help guide them through difficult times.
In Conclusion
The Unity Candle ceremony may not have a specific, overt biblical reference, but the symbolism behind it can be connected to several passages and themes found in the Bible. The ceremony represents the covenant of marriage, the joining of two as one, and the presence of Christ’s light in the couple’s relationship. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that many Christian couples choose to include in their wedding ceremony.
FAQ
What is the biblical meaning of the unity candle?
The unity candle has become a popular ritual in contemporary Christian weddings. It is a symbolic representation of the union between the bride and groom as they become one in marriage. The ritual is performed during the wedding ceremony, usually after the exchange of rings and before the pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife. The unity candle ceremony involves the lighting of two taper candles by the bride and groom, representing their individual lives, families, and experiences. Then, they use the light from their individual candles to light a single large candle, symbolizing the unity of their lives and the covenant of marriage.
The flame of the candle is a powerful symbol in the Christian faith. In the Old Testament, God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire. This was a revelation of God’s powerful presence and His intention to call Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt. In the same way, the flame of the unity candle represents the presence of God and His guidance in the lives of the bride and groom.
Additionally, light and flame are often used in the New Testament as symbols of Jesus Christ. In John 1:9, it says, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Thus, the candles in the unity ceremony could also represent Jesus as the Light of the World. The bride and groom use the flame from their individual candles, symbolizing their relationship with Christ, to represent His presence in their marriage and their reliance on Him throughout their lives together.
The merging of the two flames into one larger flame also symbolizes the union of two individuals into one unit through marriage. This is presented in both the Old Testament and New Testament. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Similarly, in Ephesians 5:31, it says, “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” The unity candle ceremony presents this concept visually, with the two taper candles being the individual lives of the bride and groom, and the larger candle representing their unity as one.
The lighting of the unity candle during a Christian wedding ceremony is a meaningful ritual that represents the union of the bride and groom through marriage. The symbol of the flame and the merging of the two flames into one larger flame capture the essence of God’s presence, Christ’s light, and the covenant of marriage. It is a way to remind the couple of the sacredness and significance of their union and to emphasize the importance of relying on God as they journey through life together.
How do you explain unity candle?
The unity candle is a popular part of modern wedding ceremonies that has become a beloved tradition over the years. It is a ceremony where the couple takes two individual candles, one lit by the bride and the other by the groom, and then they use these candles to light a larger, central candle, which is called the unity candle. This is done to symbolize the union of two individuals, two families, and two sets of friends coming together as one.
The unity candle ritual is believed to have originated from Christian and Jewish wedding traditions, where the wedding couple would light candles in memory of their deceased loved ones and to honor their religious faith. However, it has now become a non-religious ritual that can be adapted to any wedding ceremony.
The act of lighting the unity candle is a symbolic gesture of the bride and groom creating a new life together. It represents the start of their journey as a united couple, leaving their individual lives behind and moving forward as one entity. The unity candle ceremony gives a beautiful and timeless meaning to two people coming together in marriage.
The unity candle is always lit in the presence of their friends, families, and guests, and it can be accompanied by meaningful music, readings, or recitations. The ceremony can be customized to match the couple’s preferences and cultural traditions. The lighting of the unity candle brings a sense of reverence and solemnity to the wedding ceremony, adding to the overall ambiance of love, respect, and unity.
The unity candle is a cherished part of modern wedding ceremonies, representing the bond of two individuals coming together as one. The act of lighting the candles and the symbolism of the unity candle are essential elements of a heartfelt and memorable wedding. It is a beautiful way for couples to honor their union, and it can be a spiritual ceremony that all guests can enjoy and participate in.