What Are Unity Candles in a Wedding?
A unity candle ceremony is a popular addition to many weddings because of all it brings to the event. When the bride and groom use their individual flames to illuminate one, the act is not only following a wedding tradition but also symbolizing the unity of their love. The unity candle is also a way to incorporate family members as well as add flair and dimension to the wedding ceremony.
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Tradition
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The unity candle has been a part of wedding ceremonies since the 1930s, and is a way for brides and grooms to symbolize their unity with burning flames. The tradition picked up popularity after it was featured on the soap opera "General Hospital" in 1981. Modern brides and grooms continue to use unity candles in their ceremony to follow this decade-old tradition. Perhaps their parents included the ceremony in their wedding, or the couple has always dreamed of this custom. Whatever the influences, the unity candle is a way of carrying on a wedding tradition.
Symbolism
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One of the main features attracting couples to a unity candle ceremony is the symbolism it showcases during the wedding. Couples start with two separate, smaller candles to represent the bride and the groom. When these candles simultaneously light a larger, more elaborate candle, it symbolizes their two lives combining into one to illuminate something more. New life, connection, enlightenment and energy are other features that can be symbolized in the ceremony. Also, if a bride and groom choose to leave their individual candles lit, the act symbolizes the importance of keeping their identity even though they're now married.
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Ceremony
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Lighting a unity candle offers a couple another dimension to the wedding ceremony and keeps the event interesting. The act allows the bride and groom to move around at the altar while giving them another way to showcase their love. Those in attendance can watch something new unfold during the ceremony beyond the bride and groom reciting vows. Additionally, the unity candle ceremony often calls for a special prayer, blessing or passage to be read by the officiant.
Family
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A unity candle ceremony is a way to incorporate the bride and groom's families into the festivities. During many unity candle ceremonies, the bride and groom's individual candles are first lit by their parents. This is typically a ceremonious part of the wedding, as the mother and father use tapers to walk down the aisle and light the candles. A unity candle can also honor loved ones who have passed. The officiant can note that the individual candles are lit in honor of the deceased, and that while they may be gone, they continue to illuminate the bride and groom's lives.
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References
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