The Uses of a Unity Candle in a Wedding Ceremony
The unity candle is a tradition used in weddings and other commitment ceremonies to symbolize the joining of individuals or family members. Unity candles are white pillar candles that are lit by two or more white tapered candles. Performed in both religious and nonreligious ceremonies, the lighting of a unity candle is a growing trend increasingly used in marriage ceremonies. There are a number of different uses for the unity candle in wedding ceremonies.
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Joining Families
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The lighting of a unity candle may be used to symbolize the joining of two families. This can also represent their love and commitment for the union of the bride and groom. In this instance, two representative family members of the bride and groom are invited to light a tapered candle and to use these candles in lighting the unity candle. These family members are traditionally the mothers of the bride and the groom; however, any family member can perform the ceremony. The ceremonial joining of flames represents the merging of two families.
Joining Bride and Groom
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Unity candles can also be used to represent the joining together of the bride and groom in holy matrimony. Each tapered candle represents the individual. When these candles are used to light the central unity candle it symbolizes the merging of two individuals into one.
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Joining Children
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The unity candle ceremony can also be used to involve children of the bride and groom in the wedding ceremony. These may be the children of the bride and groom or children from a previous marriage. Using the unity candle in this way represents the joining of a new family unit and is useful in helping children feel a part of the ceremony. Invite children to approach the unity candle with a tapered candle held by them or another family member. Allow them to light or assist in lighting the unity candle.
Other Uses
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For small ceremonies, guests can be involved in the lighting of the unity candle. Each guest is given a tapered candle and one candle is lit by the bride, groom or family representative.The guest with the lit candle then lights the candle held by another guest. The process is continued until all the candles are lit, after which the unity candle is lit by all guests or by members of the wedding party.
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