Ben Carter
Unity candles are used in a wedding ceremony to symbolise two people joining in marriage. The lighting of a unity candle is a relatively new custom, believed to have begun in the 1970s or 1980s. The unity candle ceremony is often performed by the bride and groom, who each light a taper candle and then together light a larger pillar candle in the centre. The unity candle itself is often larger and wider, like a votive candle. The ceremony is usually presided over by an officiant, who may explain the symbolism of the ritual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Type | Religious and non-religious |
| Ceremony Time | Typically towards the end |
| Participants | Couple, officiant, celebrant, marriage commissioner, family members |
| Candle Type | Taper, pillar, votive, flameless |
| Number of Candles | 3 (2 taper, 1 pillar/votive/unity) |
| Candle Arrangement | Two taper candles on the outside, one pillar/unity candle in the centre |
| Candle Lighting Order | Taper candles lit first, followed by the unity candle |
| Candle Symbolism | Unity of the couple, joining of two families, bright future |
| Candle Retention | Kept as a souvenir |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle ceremony symbolism
Unity candle ceremonies are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, with the tradition believed to have begun in the 1970s or 1980s. The unity candle ceremony is not part of Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies, although it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor. The ceremony is used to symbolise the joining of two people or two families into one.
The unity candle ceremony involves lighting two taper candles, which are then used by each member of the marrying couple to light a larger pillar candle in the centre together. The two taper candles symbolise the two families from which the individuals have come, and the centre candle symbolises the unity of the new family. The flame may also represent the passion in each individual's soul for their spouse.
There are several variations of the unity candle ceremony. In some cases, the mothers of the bride and groom or other family members may light the taper candles before the wedding ceremony begins. In other cases, the couple may blow out the taper candles after lighting the centre candle to indicate that their two lives have been permanently merged. Alternatively, the taper candles may remain lit beside the central candle, symbolising that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality.
If a couple's venue does not allow candles or open flames, there are still ways to incorporate the unity candle ceremony into their wedding. For example, the couple could use flameless candles or hold the ceremony at their reception venue or first look location.
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Unity candle ceremony origins
The unity candle ceremony is a modern wedding tradition that gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in American Protestant weddings. The origins of the unity candle ceremony are unclear, but it is believed that its popularity may be traced back to a 1981 episode of the soap opera "General Hospital", where a couple used a unity candle. Dr. Michael Portelli is also credited with the idea of a Marriage Candle, which he used in his wedding in the 1980s.
The unity candle ceremony is not limited to any specific religion or belief system. While it has gained popularity in Christian and interfaith weddings, it is not a part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony or Anglican wedding ceremonies. The Conference of Catholic Bishops has neither prohibited nor encouraged the use of the unity candle in the marriage rite. The ritual is often performed by couples with varying religions and beliefs and can be included in any type of wedding ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony symbolises the joining of two individuals in marriage and the merging of their families. The couple uses two separate candles to light a centre candle together, representing their union and the formation of a new family. The individual candles represent each family, and the centre candle symbolises the coming together of two hearts in wedded bliss. This ceremony is often performed after the couple has exchanged their wedding vows, with the mothers or children lighting the initial family candles.
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to personalise a wedding and add a romantic touch. Couples can choose to have music played in the background, such as instrumental music or a meaningful song, or even have a poem recited during the lighting of the unity candle. It is a modern tradition that holds symbolic meaning and can be adapted to suit the preferences of the couple.
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Unity candle ceremony alternatives
Unity candle ceremonies are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two people and their families. Typically, the couple lights one large candle, the unity candle, from two smaller taper candles. However, there are several alternatives to this ritual that you can consider for your wedding day.
One option is to incorporate a rose ceremony, where the couple exchanges a single red rose, symbolizing their first gift to each other as newlyweds. Another idea is a handfasting ceremony, a Celtic tradition where the couple's hands are tied together to signify their commitment. A sand ceremony is also a popular choice, where each member of the couple pours a different-colored sand into a jar simultaneously, creating a beautiful keepsake and symbolizing their unity.
If you're looking for something more unique, consider starting a bonfire instead of lighting a unity candle. This is perfect for an outdoor wedding and can even be used to make s'mores at the reception. Another idea is to literally tie a knot with your spouse, using a fisherman's knot, which gets tighter with pressure, symbolizing the strength of your relationship.
For those who want to include a Christian interpretation, the Unity Cross is a beautiful alternative. This multi-piece ceremony item offers a lasting reminder of your wedding day and your commitment to keeping Christ at the center of your marriage.
Lastly, if your venue doesn't allow candles or open flames, you can opt for flameless candles or choose to perform the unity candle ceremony at a different time or location, such as during your first dance or at your first look.
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Unity candle ceremony setup
Unity candle ceremonies are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. The unity candle ceremony setup involves the couple, an officiant, and two sets of candles.
The setup requires a central location, such as a table, to place the candles. The couple will need two taper candles, typically small and thin, and a larger pillar candle, which serves as the unity candle. These candles can be purchased from online retailers like Etsy, Zazzle, or Amazon.
The unity candle ceremony usually involves just the couple and the officiant, but some couples choose to include their friends, family, best man, or maid of honor. In some variations, the mothers of the couple light the taper candles before the ceremony begins, giving them a more prominent role. Alternatively, children from the couple's families can participate by helping to light the unity candle.
During the ceremony, the couple lights their individual taper candles and then simultaneously uses them to light the larger pillar candle in the center. This symbolizes the joining of two individuals and their families. The couple may choose to blow out the taper candles to indicate the merging of two lives or leave them lit to symbolize the preservation of their individuality within the marriage.
If your venue does not allow open flames, there are alternative options to consider. Flameless candles can be used, although they may not create the same ambiance as traditional candles. You can also perform the unity candle ceremony at a different time or location during your wedding day, such as at the reception venue before your first dance or at your first look location.
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Unity candle ceremony in religious contexts
Unity candle ceremonies are a modern wedding tradition that has gained popularity in Christian and interfaith weddings, as well as weddings in general. The unity candle ceremony is not, however, part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony or Anglican wedding ceremonies.
The unity candle ceremony involves the couple each lighting a small taper candle and then simultaneously lighting a larger "unity candle" in the centre. This symbolises the joining of two individuals and their families, forming a new family and a new life together. The outer candles symbolise the individual lives of the couple and their families, while the larger candle represents the new life they will share.
The unity candle ceremony can be adapted to various religious contexts. For Christians, the flame may represent the Holy Spirit and Jesus within the souls of those who are baptised. The ceremony can also be personalised with candle holders, engraved names or family trees printed on the larger unity candle.
When planning a unity candle ceremony, it is important to consider the venue's policies on candles and open flames. If the venue does not allow candles, there are alternative options such as flameless candles or holding the ceremony at a different time or place, such as the reception venue or first look location.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle ceremony is a wedding tradition used to symbolize the joining of two people or two families with the lighting of a candle.
A unity candle is often a larger and wider candle, similar to a votive candle. It is lit by the couple using their individual taper candles.
Taper candles are thin candles that are lit by each member of the marrying couple. These are then used to light the unity candle together.
Unity candles are usually made of wax and have a wick. They can be purchased from online retailers like Etsy, Zazzle, and Amazon.
