Jessie Taylor
Unity candles are often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the couple's unity and their journey as a married couple. The ritual involves the couple lighting a large unity candle from two smaller candles, which may be lit by the mothers of the bride and groom. There are differing opinions on whether the smaller candles should be blown out after the unity candle is lit, with some considering it a powerful symbol of the couple's commitment, while others find it cringeworthy or impractical, especially for outdoor weddings.
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What You'll Learn
- Unity candles are often blown out after the wedding ceremony
- The couple blows out individual candles after lighting the unity candle
- Unity candles are not recommended for outdoor weddings
- Unity candles originated from TV weddings, not the Bible
- The officiant explains the symbolism of the unity candle ritual
Unity candles are often blown out after the wedding ceremony
Unity candles are often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the couple's unity and their journey as a married couple. The ritual involves lighting a large unity candle, which represents the couple's relationship, using two smaller candles, which represent the bride and groom as individuals.
While there are different ways to perform the unity candle ceremony, it is common for the couple to blow out their individual candles after lighting the unity candle. This act symbolises that the couple will never be fully separated from each other again and that they now exist as one. This option, though less popular, carries powerful symbolism.
To ensure the unity candle stays lit during the ceremony, it is recommended to shield it from wind or breeze, especially for outdoor weddings. This can be done by using hurricane lamps, glass coverings, or cylinders to protect the flame.
Some couples prefer to leave the unity candle lit for the remainder of the wedding ceremony and only blow it out together after the ceremony is complete and all guests have exited the venue. This symbolises the start of their journey as a married couple.
While the unity candle ceremony adds symbolism to the wedding, it is important to consider the practicality of including it, especially in outdoor settings where wind may cause the candles to blow out. Couples may opt for alternative rituals, such as the sand ceremony or the knot/braid ceremony, to symbolise their unity without the challenges posed by open flames.
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The couple blows out individual candles after lighting the unity candle
The unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual symbolizing the union of two individuals into the marriage bond. The ceremony involves the couple simultaneously lighting a large "unity" candle using two smaller taper candles, representing each individual. This simple yet meaningful tradition is often accompanied by words of wisdom from the officiant and holds different meanings across various cultures and religions.
While the unity candle ceremony is commonly associated with weddings, it is not explicitly part of the churches' apostolic tradition and is prohibited in some churches. Couples considering including this ritual in their wedding should consult their pastor beforehand. The unity candle ceremony is also not limited to religious weddings and can be adapted to suit different beliefs and themes.
The couple blowing out their individual candles after lighting the unity candle is one of two options for this ritual. This option symbolizes that the couple will never be fully separated again and now exists as one. It represents the merging of two lives into a new, unified whole. This option, though less popular, carries a powerful message of oneness and enduring love.
The other option, which is more popular, involves leaving the individual candles lit beside the unity candle to symbolize that the couple's individuality remains even within the marriage. In this case, the individual candles may be blown out by the officiant or a wedding attendant after the ceremony, once the couple has exited, preserving the candles as a keepsake.
The unity candle ceremony is a versatile ritual that can be tailored to the couple's preferences and beliefs. It is essential to ensure the ceremony is conducted safely, especially when veils or outdoor settings are involved. The timing of the ceremony within the wedding can also vary, with some couples choosing to light the unity candle before the vows to avoid any potential fire hazards.
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Unity candles are not recommended for outdoor weddings
Unity candles are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people in matrimony. The ritual involves two smaller candles, representing the bride and groom, being lit and then used to light a single larger candle, symbolising the relationship they are creating.
However, incorporating a unity candle ceremony into an outdoor wedding can be challenging. The main issue is the wind, which can easily blow out the candles, interrupting the ceremony and potentially causing an unlucky omen. While there are ways to mitigate this, such as using hurricane lamps or vases, or even a long lighter, these may not always be effective, and the wind remains a significant risk.
In addition, an outdoor setting may not always be suitable for candles from a stylistic perspective. The aesthetic might not suit everyone's tastes, and some venues do not allow open flames.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to avoid unity candle ceremonies for outdoor weddings. Instead, couples could consider alternative unity rituals, such as a sand or wine ceremony, or braiding cords together, which can achieve a similar symbolic effect without the risk of being blown out by the wind.
Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and some couples may still choose to include a unity candle ceremony in their outdoor wedding, accepting the potential challenges. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential difficulties and have a backup plan if the candles do blow out.
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Unity candles originated from TV weddings, not the Bible
Unity candles are lit during wedding ceremonies to symbolise the union of two people in marriage. The custom involves lighting a "unity candle" from two smaller candles, which are typically lit by the couple but sometimes by their mothers or fathers.
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. There is no record of it in the Bible or any apostolic writings. In fact, its origins can be traced back to television weddings, specifically a 1981 episode of the soap opera 'General Hospital'. In this episode, Dr Michael Portelli is credited with the idea of a "Marriage Candle", which he later used in his own wedding in the 1980s. This episode is thought to have popularised the practice, which then spread to weddings across America.
The ceremony typically involves the lighting of three candles: one representing the bride, one representing the groom, and a larger "unity candle" representing their covenant marriage. The smaller candles are lit first, either by the couple or their parents, and then used to light the unity candle together. The individual candles may be blown out after the unity candle is lit, symbolising the couple's unity and their new life together as one.
While the unity candle ceremony has become widespread, it is not a part of traditional Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies. In the Catholic Church, the reception of the Holy Eucharist is considered the heart of Christian unity, and the updated Catholic Rite of Marriage does not include provisions for the unity candle ceremony. Similarly, the Anglican Church does not include the unity candle as part of its wedding ceremonies, although it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor.
The use of unity candles in weddings is a beautiful symbol of two people coming together as one. However, its origins are not biblical but rather rooted in popular culture, specifically television weddings.
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The officiant explains the symbolism of the unity candle ritual
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful ritual that symbolises the creation of a new union between two people. The two smaller candles represent the individuals, and the large unity candle represents the relationship they are forging together.
The officiant will explain this symbolism to the guests, so they feel included in the ceremony. They may also offer some words of wisdom to the couple before directing them to light the candle. The couple may choose to light the unity candle at the beginning of the service or after the ring exchange.
The couple may opt to blow out their individual candles after lighting the unity candle, representing that they will never be fully separated from each other again and now exist as one. This is a powerful symbol of their unity and the start of their journey as a married couple.
If the ceremony is held outdoors, precautions must be taken to prevent the candles from blowing out due to wind. This can be done by using hurricane lamps, glass cylinders, or other coverings to shield the candles from the breeze.
The unity candle ceremony is a meaningful way to symbolise the couple's commitment and unity, creating a memorable moment during their wedding ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out the individual candles after lighting the unity candle represents that the couple will never be fully separated from each other again and now exist as one.
The timing of the ceremony depends on how much or how little you say. Usually, lighting a unity candle will only add 2 to 3 minutes to the wedding ceremony. It is also important to consider the venue, as some venues do not allow open flames, and candles are harder to light outdoors.
It is customary for the couple to blow out the unity candle together at the end of the ceremony, but it is not required.
