Maddie James
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ritual, which first became popular in the 1970s or 80s, involves lighting two taper candles and using them to light a larger pillar candle in the centre. The ceremony may be accompanied by music, a poem, or a reading, and can be personalised in a variety of ways. While unity candles are a relatively recent invention, they have become a widespread feature of wedding ceremonies, although they are prohibited in some churches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ceremony | Wedding ceremony |
| Purpose | Symbolising the joining of two individuals in marriage |
| Participants | The couple, their mothers, children, officiant, and guests |
| Number of candles | Three (two taper candles and one pillar candle) |
| Candle colour | White or ivory, or personalised |
| Accessories | Candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories |
| Music | Instrumental, meaningful song, or poem |
| Timing | After the vows or at the start of the ceremony |
| Safety considerations | Use of hurricane lamps or votive candles for outdoor weddings |
| Symbolism | Love, passion, new beginnings, enduring commitment |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candles are a recent wedding tradition
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies. The tradition is said to have first become popular in the second half of the 20th century, specifically in the 1970s, in American Protestant weddings. The exact origins of unity candles are unknown, but their use may have been popularised by a 1981 episode of the TV show *General Hospital,* and by Dr Michael Portelli, who is credited with the idea of a "Marriage Candle" and used it in his own wedding in the 1980s.
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. The unity candle is often a larger pillar candle, with the two accompanying candles on either side being taper candles. The ceremony may be led by a wedding officiant, who introduces and explains the symbolism of the ritual to guests.
The unity candle ceremony is a way to emphasise the couple's union and their enduring commitment. While the ritual is a recent invention and not explicitly part of the churches' apostolic tradition, it is a popular option for couples who want to add a meaningful touch to their wedding ceremony.
Couples planning an outdoor wedding may want to consider using a large lantern or a hurricane candle shade to house the candles, to prevent the flame from being blown out. It is also important to check with the venue, as not all premises allow live flames.
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The symbolism of unity candles
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, with unclear origins. The ritual first became popular in the second half of the 20th century, in American Protestant weddings. The use of a unity candle in a 1981 episode of 'General Hospital' is also credited with popularising the practice.
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the exchange of vows. The couple lights a central candle, usually a larger pillar candle, with two separate taper candles, representing their union and the merging of their two families. The ceremony symbolises the joining of two individuals into the marriage bond, with each taper candle representing each individual. The central candle is lit to represent the union of the couple and their two families becoming one.
The ceremony can be personalised with music, readings, or poems that capture the romance and deep feelings of the couple for one another. The couple may also choose to involve other guests in the ritual, such as their friends and family, by having them light the taper candles. The unity candle ceremony is a simple yet meaningful way to symbolise the couple's enduring commitment and love.
The candles themselves can also be personalised. Couples may choose to engrave their names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote on the candles. The colour and design of the candles and their accessories can also be customised to match the wedding's theme and the couple's personalities. For instance, a beach wedding could feature a coral-coloured unity candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles, while a vintage-themed wedding could use a family heirloom candle passed down through generations.
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic way to represent the union of the couple and the blending of their families. Through the lighting of the candles, the couple expresses their love, commitment, and the start of their journey together as a married couple.
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How to prepare a unity candle ceremony
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two individuals in marriage. The unity candle ceremony is a simple yet meaningful ritual that usually takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for this ceremony:
- Select the candles: The unity candle ceremony typically involves three candles: two taper candles and a larger pillar candle in the center. Couples can choose to personalize their candles with their names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote or design.
- Choose an officiant: An officiant is usually an integral part of the unity candle ceremony. Couples should find an officiant they trust and who can guide them through the ritual.
- Prepare the candle accessories: To enhance the aesthetics and safety of the ceremony, select candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories that match the tone and theme of the wedding. Ensure that the candle holders are sturdy to prevent any accidents.
- Decide on the lighting process: Traditionally, the mothers of the bride and groom light the taper candles, which the couple then uses to light the unity candle simultaneously. However, couples can adjust this tradition to suit their needs, such as having children or other family members participate.
- Consider additional elements: The unity candle ceremony can be personalized with music, poems, or readings that hold significance for the couple. These elements can be woven into the ceremony as the couple lights the unity candle.
- Rehearse and plan: Couples should rehearse the ceremony before the wedding day to ensure a smooth flow. Additionally, it is essential to check with the venue about their policies regarding open flames and whether the ceremony will be held outdoors, as this may impact the lighting process.
By following these steps, couples can create a meaningful and memorable unity candle ceremony that symbolizes their union and the blending of their families.
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Who lights the unity candle
Unity candles are a symbolic ritual performed at weddings. The ceremony involves three candles: two taper candles and one centre candle. The tapers are lit first, usually by parents or other family members, and then the couple lights the unity candle together.
The unity candle ceremony is typically performed after the couple has exchanged their wedding vows, although some couples choose to light the candle before the vows. The wedding officiant or celebrant will introduce the ritual and explain its symbolism. They may say something like:
> "As you commit to each other today, you’re creating a family circle of love. So may you always carry that light within each other, may you nurture and tend to the flame in each other’s hearts as you recognize your continuing importance in each other’s lives."
The taper candles represent the couple as individuals and their respective families, while the centre candle symbolises the union of the couple and their two families. The lighting of the unity candle is a physical representation of their enduring commitment to each other and their new life together.
While the couple lights the unity candle, they may choose to have guests sing a song, recite a poem, play instrumental music, or include a meaningful reading. The ceremony is usually brief, and the couple may choose to personalise it, such as by engraving their names on the candle or matching the candle design to their wedding theme.
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Unity candles in outdoor weddings
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century. The lighting of the candle symbolises the joining of two individuals in marriage and the merging of two families. The unity candle ceremony is often led by a wedding officiant, who introduces and explains the symbolism of the ritual to guests.
If you're planning an outdoor wedding and want to include a unity candle ceremony, it requires some extra planning. Unpredictable weather and blustering winds may get in the way, so it's important to be prepared. Firstly, check with your venue, as not all will allow live flames on their premises. You could use a small votive candle in a holder to light your unity candle, rather than a lighter that may blow out. Moving the candle lighting to the end of the ceremony means it won't need to stay lit for long.
To avoid the candle being extinguished by wind, you can buy hurricane glasses that cover the candle and extend above the flame. You might also want to consider the timing of the ceremony, choosing a time of day when the wind is less likely to be strong.
There are endless ways to make your unity candle ceremony feel more personal. You could include a special reading or a meaningful song. Many couples choose to have a poem included in the ceremony, capturing the romance and deep feelings that they hold for one another. You can also personalise the unity candle itself, choosing a colour and design that matches your wedding aesthetic. For example, a beach wedding could feature a coral-coloured candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles.
The unity candle ceremony usually involves three candles. The middle candle, or unity candle, is often a pillar candle, while the two outer candles are tapers. These tapers are lit first and used to light the central candle together. The outer candles may then be blown out or left lit, depending on whether you want to symbolise the merging of two lives into one, or the preservation of each partner's individuality.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle is a candle used in a wedding ceremony to symbolise two people joining in marriage.
The unity candle is a relatively new custom that became popular in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in American Protestant weddings. The exact origins are unclear, but its use in a 1981 episode of *General Hospital* may have helped to popularise the tradition.
The unity candle ceremony typically takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows. Each member of the couple lights a taper candle and uses it to simultaneously light a larger central candle, which symbolises their union. The taper candles may be blown out, or they may remain lit to symbolise that the couple has not lost their individuality.
Yes, you can personalise your unity candle to match your wedding's aesthetic and theme. You can choose a specific colour, pattern, or design, and even engrave your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote onto the candle.
