What Does the Unity Candle Represent?
The unity candle ceremony is one of the most popular wedding traditions in America, despite its relatively new appearance on the scene. The ceremony is performed in Christian, interfaith and secular marriages alike. The ceremony is symbolic of the couple joining their lives and their families together as one.
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History
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The unity candle ceremony is not an old one. According to "The San Diego Reader," it is thought to have originated about 30 to 40 years ago (see link in Resources). It is primarily performed in Christian ceremonies, though is often not permitted in Catholic ceremonies.
Types
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The unity candle is comprised of three candles, usually two tapered candles and a larger candle between the two. The larger candle is often ornately decorated, according to the decor of the ceremony.
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Significance
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The two tapered candles represent the bride and groom as individuals or their individual families. The lighting of the larger unity candle represents their two lives, or two families, becoming one.
Time Frame
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The two tapered candles are lit before the ceremony by family representatives of the bride and groom, usually the mothers. The larger unity candle is lit by the couple after the vows, but before pronouncement of marriage.
Fun Fact
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The tapered candles can either be left burning after the larger candle is lit or they can be extinguished. Many couples prefer to leave them burning to symbolize that the individuals go on to exist within the new union.
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Resources
- Photo Credit joshuaone6to9 via Flickr and Wikimedia Commons
