Tyler Brooks
The unity candle is a candle used in a wedding ceremony to symbolize two people joining in marriage. The lighting of a unity candle is a relatively new custom, believed to have gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in American Protestant weddings. The exact origins of the unity candle are unclear, but its use is thought to have been popularized by its appearance in a 1981 episode of the soap opera General Hospital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First became popular | Second half of the 20th century |
| Originated in | American Protestant weddings |
| Popularised by | A 1981 episode of General Hospital |
| Invented by | Dr. Michael Portelli |
| Used in Dr. Michael Portelli's wedding | 1980s |
| Symbolises | Joining of two individuals in marriage |
| Symbolises | Two individuals coming from separate families and becoming one |
| Symbolises | Two unique lives merging together into one bright and happy marriage |
| Symbolises | Light of God in Catholic and other Christian weddings |
| Symbolises | Return to longer days and promise of a bountiful future in pagan weddings |
| Symbolises | Performed by couples with varying religions and beliefs |
| Symbolises | Baptismal unity of the couple |
| Tapers may be blown out | To indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged |
| Tapers may remain lit | To symbolise that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle origins are unclear
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The custom first became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. However, the origins of the unity candle are unclear.
There is no record of the unity candle in the Bible or any apostolic writings. It is not part of the official ceremony in any religion, including Catholic, Anglican, and non-denominational weddings. Some churches prohibit the unity candle ceremony, while others allow it at the discretion of the pastor or minister.
The unity candle ceremony gained popularity in the 1980s after it was featured in a 1981 episode of the soap opera "General Hospital". Dr Michael Portelli is credited with the idea of a Marriage Candle and used it in his own wedding in the 1980s. This included the mothers of the couple each lighting a family candle, from which the bride and groom lit their own tapers to light the Wedding candle as one flame.
The unity candle ceremony has been interpreted as having Christian symbolism, such as representing the light of God in each partner joined in the holy covenant of marriage. However, the ritual can be adapted to suit the needs of the couple, regardless of their religious beliefs. For example, in pagan weddings, unity candles may be lit on the solstice to symbolise the return of longer days and a bountiful future.
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Unity candles in popular culture
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The unity candle ceremony is also symbolic in the Christian faith, with three candles often displayed to represent the bride, groom, and their covenant marriage.
The origins of the unity candle tradition are unclear, but its use in popular culture has likely contributed to its popularity. Notably, a 1981 episode of the soap opera "General Hospital" featured a unity candle, which may have helped popularize the practice. Dr. Michael Portelli is credited with the idea of a "Marriage Candle" and used it in his own wedding in the 1980s.
The unity candle has also been mentioned in a Weddingbee forum, where a user shared their experience of including the ritual in their non-denominational wedding ceremony, incorporating subtle Jewish elements. They viewed the unity candle as a beautiful tradition that allowed them to involve their mothers in the ceremony.
Unity candles have also been referenced on Reddit's r/weddingplanning forum, where users have discussed their experiences with the ritual and shared their preferences for including it in their weddings. Some users recall witnessing the unity candle tradition in church as children, while others mention adapting the ritual to suit their own beliefs and wedding themes.
Overall, the unity candle has become a popular element in wedding ceremonies, allowing couples to symbolize their union in a meaningful way, regardless of their religious affiliation.
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Unity candles in religious ceremonies
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The unity candle ceremony is not part of the Catholic wedding ceremony, nor is it part of Anglican wedding ceremonies. However, it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor.
The unity candle is not explicitly part of the churches' apostolic tradition and is prohibited in some churches. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has not explicitly prohibited its use, but neither has it encouraged the practice. The Conference has indicated that if the unity candle is permitted, the couple should light their individual candles from the paschal candle, and the individual candles should not be extinguished.
The unity candle ceremony is performed by couples with varying religions and beliefs. It is thought of as a modern tradition holding symbolic meaning over religious affiliation. It is a ritual that can transcend any type of ceremony, whether religious or not. The candle's flame sometimes represents the light of God carried within each partner, joined in the holy covenant of marriage. In pagan weddings, unity candles are lit on the solstice to symbolise a return to longer days and a promise of a bountiful future.
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place right after the exchange of vows and rings. The couple lights the candle together, using two taper candles—one for each partner. The taper candles may be lit by a parent or elder, symbolising their love and support for the marriage. After lighting the unity candle, the couple sets their lit tapers in candle holders or passes them to a wedding attendant to hold until the ceremony is over.
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Symbolism and meaning
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise two people joining in marriage. The lighting of a unity candle is a relatively new custom, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The unity candle is not explicitly religious, although it has been used in Catholic, Christian, and pagan weddings.
The unity candle ceremony is often performed by a couple lighting their own taper candles, which are then used to light a larger 'unity' candle together. This symbolises the merging of two lives into one marriage. The individual taper candles may be lit by a parent or elder, to symbolise their love and support for the marriage.
After the unity candle is lit, the couple may either blow out their taper candles or leave them lit. Blowing out the taper candles symbolises that the couple will never be fully separated again, while leaving them lit indicates that the married partners have not lost their individuality.
In Catholic and other Christian weddings, the candle's flame may represent the light of God carried within each partner, joined together in the holy covenant of marriage. In pagan weddings, unity candles may be lit on the solstice to symbolise a return to longer days and a promise of a bountiful future.
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How to incorporate unity candles into a wedding
Unity candles are a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, with unclear origins. The tradition is said to have become popular in the 1970s or 1980s, after a couple on the soap opera "General Hospital" used one in a 1981 episode. The lighting of a unity candle is often used to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage, representing the union of the couple and the creation of a blended family.
Choose the Right Candle
Select a unity candle that matches the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, consider a coral-coloured candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles. You can also opt for a vintage-style candle, such as a family heirloom. Ensure that your unity candle has a strong base or candle holder to prevent it from toppling over during the ceremony.
Include Your Loved Ones
Involve your family members in the unity candle ceremony. For instance, you can have the mothers of the bride and groom light the taper candles at the beginning of the ceremony. This symbolises the two families coming together to support the union of the couple.
Personalise Your Candle
Add a unique touch to your unity candle by personalising it. Consider engraving your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote on the candle. You can also choose a pattern or design that matches the style of your wedding, whether it's glamorous, romantic, or something else.
Explain the Symbolism
After exchanging vows, have your officiant introduce the unity candle ceremony and explain the symbolism behind it. This will help your guests understand the meaning and significance of the ritual.
Combine with Other Rituals
You can combine the unity candle ceremony with other rituals to create a more personalised and meaningful experience. For example, you can include a reading, a song, or even involve your bridal party and family members in the ceremony.
Remember to check with your wedding officiant or pastor beforehand, as some churches may not allow the use of unity candles in the ceremony due to their religious traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The unity candle is a relatively new custom that gained popularity 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 the soap opera "General Hospital" may have contributed to its popularity.
The unity candle ceremony typically symbolizes the joining of two individuals and their families, becoming one in marriage. The couple lights a larger "unity" candle using two smaller taper candles, representing their individual lives.
No, the unity candle ceremony is not specific to any single religion. While it is commonly associated with Christian and Catholic weddings, it is also performed in interfaith and non-denominational weddings. The ritual can be adapted to suit the beliefs and preferences of the couple.
The unity candle is usually lit right after the exchange of vows and rings. However, some couples may choose to light it before the vows, especially if it is part of a handfasting ceremony.
There are two common options for blowing out the unity candle. In the first option, the candles are not blown out until the wedding is complete and the couple has made their exit. In the second option, the couple blows out their individual candles after lighting the unity candle, symbolizing their union as one.
