Maddie James
The unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual symbolizing the joining of the bride and groom and the merging of their two families. The custom involves the couple lighting a large candle, known as the unity candle, using two smaller taper candles. The unity candle is often kept as a souvenir, representing the couple's union and their new life together. While the tradition is not part of Catholic or apostolic wedding rites, it has become a popular addition to wedding ceremonies, with couples customizing the ritual to include family and friends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Unknown, but the custom first became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. |
| Purpose | Symbolises the joining of the bride and groom and their families. |
| Timing | Typically happens during the wedding ceremony, often after the vow exchange. |
| Participants | The bride and groom, with their respective mothers or family members playing a role in lighting the taper candles. |
| Number of candles | Three—two taper candles and one unity candle. |
| Candle type | The unity candle is often a larger pillar candle, while the taper candles are smaller. |
| Candle design | Can be engraved with names, wedding dates, or quotes, and customised with accessories to match the wedding aesthetic. |
| Candle holders | Recommended for outdoor weddings to protect the candles from wind. |
| Candle placement | Not to be placed on the altar in Catholic weddings, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. |
| Candle lighting | The couple simultaneously lights the unity candle with their taper candles. |
| Candle blowing | The tapers may be blown out to indicate the merging of lives, or left lit to symbolise the couple's individuality. |
| Candle keeping | The couple may keep the unity candle as a souvenir. |
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What You'll Learn
The unity candle ceremony is a modern tradition
The ceremony typically takes place towards the end of the wedding ceremony, after the couple has exchanged their vows. The officiant begins by explaining the meaning of the unity candle ceremony. The couple's parents or other family members then light two taper candles, which represent the couple and their respective families. The couple then uses these taper candles to simultaneously light a larger candle, known as the unity candle, symbolizing their union and the blending of their families.
The unity candle is often a pillar candle, while the taper candles are smaller and thinner. Couples can purchase or DIY their unity candle set, customizing it to match their wedding theme and aesthetic. They can also choose to involve more people in the ceremony, such as their friends, children, or the entire wedding guest list.
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way to symbolize the union of the couple and the merging of their families. It is a modern tradition that has gained popularity in weddings, especially in Christian and interfaith ceremonies.
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The couple may blow out the taper candles
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the exchange of vows, where the couple lights one main candle with two separate candles, representing the merging of two families and two individuals. The unity candle ceremony is not part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony.
If the couple chooses to blow out the taper candles, they should be careful to do so without extinguishing the unity candle, as this would put a damper on the ceremony. The unity candle should be left lit for the remainder of the wedding ceremony and should only be blown out once the ceremony is complete and all guests have exited the venue.
The couple may choose to keep the unity candle as a souvenir, wrapping it up for safekeeping after the wedding. This is a special reminder of their wedding day and the unity they share.
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The unity candle is not part of Catholic wedding rites
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the exchange of vows, when the couple lights one main candle with two separate candles, representing the merging of two families and two individuals. While the use of unity candles within the marriage rite has become widespread, it is a recent invention and not explicitly part of the churches' apostolic tradition. It is prohibited in some churches.
The unity candle ceremony is not part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony. Catholic Tradition sees the regular reception of the Holy Eucharist as the heart of Christian Unity. The recently updated Catholic Rite of Marriage does not include any provisions for the Unity Candle Ceremony. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has not explicitly prohibited the use of the unity candle in the marriage rite, but neither has it encouraged the practice. The Conference has noted that the policies of most dioceses do not prohibit this custom but many suggest that it be done at the reception since the Rite of Marriage already has abundant symbols of unity.
The unity candle ritual is sometimes inserted into a Catholic wedding ceremony following the exchange of vows and rings. However, the use of a unity candle in a Catholic wedding is sometimes considered pagan by local priests or pastors. These restrictions do not stem from theology or catechism but instead from the widely held suspicion that unity candles find their origin in Wiccan practices, Zoroastrian ceremonies, and New Age philosophies. Each church has its own rules and expectations for what is permissible during a wedding ceremony, and couples interested in the unity candle ceremony are advised to confer with their priests and officiants on any applicable regulations.
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The unity candle ceremony can be personalised
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new wedding ritual that gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in American Protestant weddings. It is a short, simple ceremony that holds a lot of symbolic meaning. The unity candle ceremony can be personalised in many ways to make it more meaningful and representative of the couple.
Firstly, the unity candle ceremony can be personalised by choosing who will light the taper candles. Traditionally, the mothers of the couple light the taper candles, but some couples also ask their fathers, siblings, children, or other family members or friends to do the honours. Couples can also tweak the ceremony to involve all of their guests by handing each guest an unlit candle as they walk into the ceremony.
Secondly, the unity candle ceremony can be personalised by choosing the design and style of the candles and candle accessories. Couples can engrave their candles with their names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. They can also choose a pattern or design that matches the aesthetic of their wedding, from glamorous to romantic. Additionally, they can select candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories that complement the tone of their celebration.
Thirdly, the unity candle ceremony can be personalised by choosing when it takes place during the wedding ceremony. The ceremony typically occurs closer to the end of the wedding, after the couple has exchanged their vows. However, couples can discuss with their officiant and decide on a specific point in the ceremony that holds the most meaning for them.
Lastly, the unity candle ceremony can be personalised by incorporating other symbolic rituals. For example, couples can exchange a single red rose after their vows and rings, or they can participate in a sand ceremony, where they each pour a different colour of sand into a jar simultaneously, creating a beautiful keepsake. These personal touches allow couples to embrace their interests and create a meaningful moment that represents their unique relationship.
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The unity candle ceremony can be done outdoors
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful ritual that symbolises the joining of the bride and groom and the merging of two families. The unity candle ceremony is not a part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony, but it is a desirable alternative when Holy Communion is not encouraged at a wedding.
- Use a large lantern to house the candles.
- Use a hurricane candle shade or a hurricane lamp. These are glass coverings that go around the candles to protect them from the breeze. Ensure that the candle wicks are deep inside the hurricane lamps so they don't blow out.
- Use an oil lamp and oil lamp tapers for the unity candles.
- Have a matchbook or lighter nearby in case any candles need to be relit.
- Keep any veils worn by the couple away from the candles to prevent them from catching on fire.
- Consider the timing of the ceremony to minimise the impact of wind gusts.
- Ask your DJ to fade out any songs playing during the ceremony shortly after the candle is lit.
- Use trick candles that don't blow out easily.
By following these suggestions, you can confidently incorporate the unity candle ceremony into your outdoor wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle ceremony is a ritual performed during a wedding ceremony to symbolize the joining of the bride and groom and the merging of their two families. The couple lights a unity candle, which is often a larger pillar candle, using two smaller taper candles, representing their individual lives. The unity candle is then left burning, symbolizing their union and the creation of a new family.
The unity candle ceremony initially began as a Christian tradition, given the significance of flames in the Bible. It is often used in Catholic weddings as a sign of the baptismal unity of the couple. However, it is not explicitly part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony, and some churches prohibit it. The ritual has since spread to other types of weddings, and it is now a popular way to symbolize the union of the couple, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Yes, the bride and groom can keep the unity candle as a souvenir of their wedding day. It is advisable to put out the flame and wrap the candle up for safekeeping after the ceremony.
