The tradition of a unity candle ceremony is a symbolic representation of the union between two individuals who have come together as one. In a wedding ceremony, the unity candle is often used to symbolize the joining of the bride and groom in marriage.
The unity candle symbolizes the union of two individuals, their families, and their communities. It represents the shared experiences and memories that the couple will create together throughout their lives. It is a reminder of the love that they share and the commitment to each other that they have made.
The Unity Candle Ceremony Process
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place after the wedding vows are exchanged. The parents of the bride and groom come forward (or other family members, children etc.) and light a candle for each. Then the couple takes these two outside candles and lights the center candle. The center candle then represents the union of the two families into one.
After the unity candle is lit, some couples choose to recite a short verse or poem together. This is a time to reflect on the journey that led them to this special moment in their lives. It’s also an opportunity to express their love and commitment to one another.
What to Do with the Unity Candle After the Wedding?
The unity candle is a beautiful and sentimental reminder of the wedding ceremony. Many couples are unsure what to do with their unity candle after the wedding, often leaving it to gather dust on a bookshelf.
Here are some great ideas on what to do with your unity candle after the wedding:
1. Display It in Your Home
One of the best ways to preserve the memory of your wedding ceremony is by displaying your unity candle in your home. Place it on a mantelpiece, shelf, or coffee table where it can be admired by friends and family.
For the most elegant display, consider purchasing a clear glass dome to place over your unity candle. This will protect it while still allowing it to be seen.
2. Use It to Celebrate Your Anniversaries
The unity candle can be used to celebrate your anniversaries. Light it together each year to remind yourselves of the love and commitment you share.
You could even take this a step further and recite the same verse or poem that you used during the unity candle ceremony at your wedding. This will provide a meaningful connection to your wedding day, and allow you to reflect on how much your love has grown since then.
3. Incorporate It into Your Home Decor
If you’re looking for a creative way to use your unity candle, try incorporating it into your home decor. Adding it to a floral arrangement or placing it in a decorative lantern can tie it into the overall feel of your home.
Another idea is to use the wax from your unity candle to make homemade candles. This will allow you to use the scent of your unity candle to freshen up your home, and is a great way to recycle the leftover wax.
4. Repurpose It for Special Occasions
Your unity candle doesn’t have to be used exclusively for your wedding ceremony and anniversaries. You can repurpose it for other special occasions as well.
For example, you could use it during a baptism or christening ceremony for your child. You could also light it during a vow renewal ceremony or special anniversary celebration.
The Bottom Line
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful representation of two individuals coming together as one. It’s a reminder of the love that they share and the commitment that they have made to each other.
After the wedding, the unity candle doesn’t have to be forgotten or put away. It can be used in a variety of ways to preserve the memory of the wedding ceremony and celebrate your love. From displaying it in your home to repurposing it for other special occasions, the possibilities are endless.
FAQ
What do you do with your unity candle after wedding?
The unity candle is an important symbol of the joining of two individuals in marriage. After the wedding ceremony, many couples wonder what they should do with their unity candle. There are a few options available, each of which allows the couple to hold onto this memorable keepsake.
One option is to preserve the unity candle as it is. This might involve placing the candle in a special case or holder designed specifically for preserving candles. Some couples choose to display the unity candle in their home, either on a mantel or in a display case. In this way, the candle serves as a permanent reminder of their wedding day and the commitment they made to each other.
Another option is to use the unity candle as a decoration in the home. This could involve disassembling the candle and using the individual pieces to create a unique piece of art or decoration. For example, the couple might use the candle wax to create a personalized votive holder or use the candlestick as a base for a floral arrangement. In this way, the unity candle becomes a functional and decorative item that can be enjoyed for years to come.
A third option is to donate the unity candle to a charity or non-profit organization. For example, the couple might donate the candle to a local church or community center where it can be used in future wedding ceremonies. Alternatively, the couple might donate the candle to an organization that supports a cause that is important to them.
There are many options for what to do with a unity candle after a wedding. Whatever the couple chooses, the unity candle serves as a tangible reminder of the day they joined together in marriage and the commitment they made to each other.
Can you reuse a unity candle?
A unity candle is a symbol of the couple’s commitment to each other during a wedding ceremony. It is typically a large pillar candle that is lit by the couple from separate taper candles, symbolizing the joining of their lives together. One question that may arise is whether or not the unity candle can be reused.
Technically, yes, a unity candle can be reused. However, it is important to note that most unity candles are designed to be used only once, specifically for the wedding ceremony. This is because the candle may have drips or other blemishes that may not be visible from a distance, but which would make it less attractive if it were used again.
Additionally, many couples choose to personalize their unity candles with their names, wedding dates, or other decorative elements. If the unity candle has been personalized, it may not be suitable for reuse in another ceremony.
That being said, if you have a plain unity candle that has not been personalized and is in good condition, there is no reason why you couldn’t use it again. It is important to make sure that any drips or wax that accumulated during the first use are carefully removed so that the candle looks neat and presentable. Additionally, be sure to use new taper candles to light the unity candle to keep the original candles as mementos.
Although it is possible to reuse a unity candle, most are designed to be used only once. If you have a plain unity candle in good condition that has not been personalized, there is no reason why it couldn’t be used again, however, it’s best practice to use new taper candles and make sure the candle looks neat.
What is the significance of lighting unity candle?
The unity candle ceremony has become a common fixture in many wedding ceremonies. It is usually performed after the wedding vows have been exchanged, and involves the lighting of a single candle by the newlyweds, using two smaller candles known as the “unity candles”. The symbolism behind this tradition is particularly poignant, as it conveys a deep understanding of the beauty of marriage, and the unity that it creates.
For many couples, the lighting of the unity candle symbolizes the joining of two separate lives into one, and the beginning of a new journey together as a married couple. The flame that they create together represents the passion in each individual’s soul for their spouse, and the joining of the two flames into one represents their commitment to each other and their future together. Additionally, it may symbolize the preservation of the individuality of each partner, while at the same time acknowledging their role in the construction of the marital union.
The unity candle may also be seen as a tribute to the couples’ families. In some ceremonies, the light may be passed to the parents of the bride and groom, symbolizing the support and guidance that they have provided throughout their children’s lives, and the appreciation that the couple has for their parents’ role in shaping their lives up to this point.
While the unity candle ceremony is not a religious ceremony, it does have a significant spiritual meaning, as it represents the merging of two spirits into one. It is a beautiful way for a couple to unite in front of their loved ones, reminding all those present of their commitment to each other, and the love and respect that they share for one another. Therefore, it is not surprising that the lighting of the unity candle has become a popular tradition in modern wedding ceremonies, as it is a powerful symbol of the eternal bond of marriage.
