How Is a Sand Ceremony Performed?
Many couples incorporate symbolic rituals into their wedding ceremonies. The sand ceremony, or unity sand ceremony, is popular in weddings that occur in natural settings, such as beaches. The meaning of this ceremony is that the flowing sand and blended colors represent the two lives becoming one. There are several steps in the sand ceremony ritual.
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Ceremony Introduction
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Most wedding officiants introduce the sand ceremony after the traditional wedding vows. They typically explain the meaning behind the ritual and talk about how the ceremony represents life as a married couple. An example introduction may be, “Today, this couple has chosen to commemorate their marriage with the sand ceremony. As these two separate containers are poured into the third container, the individual needs and desire will become one as well. Just as the mixed sand container can never be separated again--neither will your lives.”
Pouring Sequence
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Many couples take turns pouring their sand into the large container, and the bride and groom typically have different colored sand. For example, the groom may have blue sand and the bride may have pink sand. The groom typically begins the pouring sequence, by pouring some of his blue sand into the large container to create a thin layer. The bride then pours her pink sand into the large container to create a thin pink layer. They take turns until at least half of their individual containers are poured, and then pour simultaneously. Some couples include their children or families in the ritual. If this is the case, the family members or children have their own colored sand and container and are a part of the pouring rotation.
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Sand Ceremony Vows
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Some couples recite personal vows during the sand ceremony. These types of vows are different than the traditional vows and allow the bride and groom to express their love and devotion. There are no rules, boundaries or conventions for these types of vows.
Containers
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There are many types of sand ceremony containers available, depending on the styles of the wedding and the couple. The separate containers are typically half the size of the large, combined container. Many people use simple clear glass or crystal vases. Some use a heart-shaped container to pour their combined sand into. Most of the combined-sand containers have lids or corks to prevent the sand from spilling out. The empty individual containers can hold flowers at the wedding reception.
Ceremony Conclusion
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After the separate sand is combined, couples have a blended sand container. Some keep the sand as a wedding keepsake to display in their homes. Others, who have their weddings on a beach, have the officiant bless the sand, and then cork the blended container and toss it out to the sea together.
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References
- Photo Credit unity sand wedding ceremony image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
