Christian Unity Candle Ceremony
The lighting of the unity candle is a tradition common to Christian weddings, though the custom is found in secular weddings as well. The bride and the groom light one large candle at the same time as part of the marriage ceremony. The ceremony symbolizes the two ending their lives as individuals and becoming one through marriage.
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Setup
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Three candles are placed at the front of the church or wedding location: two tapers and one larger candle (the unity candle). The unity candle should reside in between the two tapers. White candles are common, though colored candles could be used. The larger pillar candle could be purchased already decorated from a bridal or craft store. Some couples choose to decorate their own unity candle, while others choose a solid white candle with no ornamentation.
Procedure
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Like all traditions, the unity candle ceremony has variations. The taper candles are typically lit by representatives of the bride and groom's families, one for each family. This is sometimes done before the wedding begins, though it could also be done during the candle ceremony. Many times parents will light the candles.
Typically done after the couple has taken their formal vows, the unity candle ceremony itself is simple. The bride approaches one taper, the groom the other. They take these individual flames and light the larger candle. At this point, some couples choose to extinguish the individual lights, while others choose to keep the tapers lit to show they plan to maintain their individuality.
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Christian Symbolism
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The symbolism of the ceremony is obvious in its name: unity. The bride and groom are leaving their lives as individuals and starting a new life together as one.
Though the ceremony is used in secular services, it is common in Christian ceremonies, highlighting Genesis 2:24, which states "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Light is a common symbol in Christian teaching as well, often referring to the presence of God.
Music or Narration
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During the unity candle ceremony, a song could be sung or music could be played. This would be a great opportunity for a song highlighting the joining of two people into one. Some couples choose instead to have the priest or minister narrate during the lighting, which allows the symbolism to be explained to those in attendance.
Tips
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It is a good idea to light the unity candle once prior to the ceremony. Though some may say this ruins the symbolic nature of the gesture, it will guarantee the candle will light. Many brides and grooms struggle to get the candle lit, which may seem like a bad omen.
Unity candles do not need to be expensive. Inexpensive solid-white tapers and pillar candles can be purchased from a craft store and decorated. Most churches, because of the popularity of this ceremony, now have a unity candle holder set.
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References
- Photo Credit Candle image by elmgrover from Fotolia.com
