Jessie Taylor
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The custom involves the couple each lighting a small candle, and then together lighting a larger 'unity' candle. The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition, becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century, and is not formally part of any religion's wedding ceremony. It is believed to have originated in the US, and may have been popularised by a 1981 episode of General Hospital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a unity candle | A candle used in a wedding ceremony to symbolize two people joining in marriage |
| Origin | Unclear, but became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings |
| Popularized by | A 1981 episode of General Hospital |
| Invented by | Dr Michael Portelli, who used it in his own wedding in the 1980s |
| Religious affiliation | Not part of any religion's formal and official wedding ceremony, but often used in Christian weddings |
| Symbolism | Represents the uniting of two families, the merging of two individuals, and the creation of a blended family |
| When to light | Usually right after the exchange of vows and rings, but some couples prefer to light it before |
| Who lights it | The couple, using their individual candles to light the unity candle |
| What the officiant says | Explains the significance of the unity tradition and wedding candles to guests |
| Keeping the flame burning | Some couples keep the unity candle lit until the end of the wedding, while others blow it out after lighting it to represent their permanent union |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candles are a recent custom
The unity candle ceremony is not universally accepted by religious institutions. While the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has not explicitly prohibited its use, they have not encouraged it, suggesting that it be done at the reception instead. Some Catholic churches do not permit unity candles because it is not a traditional element of the wedding Mass. Similarly, many parishes do not allow its inclusion in the ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual where two small taper candles are lit, usually by the couple's mothers, and then used by the couple to light a larger "unity" candle together. This symbolizes the joining of two families and the merging of two individuals into a new family. The ceremony usually takes place before the wedding vows, and the candles are often left burning throughout the ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to involve family members in the wedding and to symbolize the union of two people in marriage. While it is a recent custom, it has become widespread and is a popular choice for couples who want to include this symbolic ritual in their wedding ceremony.
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They're not part of Catholic wedding tradition
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 Catholic wedding tradition. 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. While the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has not explicitly prohibited the use of the unity candle in the marriage rite, it has also not encouraged the practice. Many parishes do not allow its inclusion in the ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony is a widespread practice today, but it is not explicitly part of the churches' apostolic tradition and is prohibited in some churches. The custom is believed to have originated in the United States and is principally a Christian idea. The unity candle ceremony is believed to have first been used in Catholic churches and then spread to other denominations. However, there is no clear consensus on its origins, with some speculating that it was invented by candle manufacturers to increase sales.
The unity candle ceremony typically involves the couple lighting a large 'unity' candle from two smaller taper candles, symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. The smaller candles may be lit by the mothers of the couple, representing the unique light and love that each person brings into the marriage from their own families. The unity candle ceremony can be adapted to include other family members, such as grandparents, or children.
In some variations of the unity candle ceremony, the couple's individual candles are blown out after lighting the unity candle, symbolizing that they will never be separated again. Alternatively, the individual candles may remain lit, symbolizing that the married partners have not lost their individuality within the union. The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by words from the officiant or a poem, explaining the significance of the ritual to the guests.
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The couple's mothers often participate
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 a beautiful ritual that symbolizes the joining of two people in marriage, as well as the merging of their two families.
During the ceremony, the couple will use their individual candles, lit from their mothers' candles, to simultaneously light the larger unity candle. This symbolizes the two individuals coming together as one, while still retaining their individuality. The mothers may remain silent during the lighting of the candles, as this moment is often filled with emotion and symbolism.
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place right after the exchange of vows and rings. However, some couples prefer to light the candle before the vows, especially when adding the ceremony to a handfasting ritual. The timing can be adjusted to suit the flow of the wedding and ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for the couple and their families.
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The candle is lit after vows and rings
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, and the Catholic Rite of Marriage does not include any provisions for it. However, some Catholic churches may permit it.
The unity candle ceremony is meant to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. Usually, the couple will each light a small taper candle, and together, they will light a larger 'unity' candle. The couple usually remains silent while lighting the candle. The unity candle is typically lit right after the exchange of vows and rings, although some couples prefer to light the candle before the vows.
The unity candle ceremony can also be used to symbolise the joining of two families. In this case, the parents of the couple may light the taper candles, which the couple then uses to light the unity candle. The taper candles can also be lit by the grandparents, with the mothers of the couple then lighting the couple's taper candles. The mothers' taper candles represent the unique light and love that each partner brings into the marriage.
The unity candle ceremony is a popular addition to weddings, but it is important to remember that some venues do not allow open flames, and candles can be hard to light outdoors. It is also advisable to check with the officiant before including the ceremony, as some churches do not allow it.
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The candle symbolises the joining of two lives
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, with unclear origins. It is believed to have become popular in the second half of the 20th century, with its first appearance possibly being in a 1981 episode of 'General Hospital'. The candle symbolises the joining of two lives, with the couple lighting a single candle from their individual flames. This ritual represents the merging of two individuals and their families, creating a new, blended family unit.
The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by an explanation of its symbolism. The officiant may invite the mothers of the couple to light their own taper candles, representing the unique light and love that each partner brings into the marriage from their families. The couple then uses their lit taper candles to light the larger unity candle together, symbolising their union as one.
The timing of the unity candle ceremony can vary. It is usually performed after the exchange of vows and rings, but some couples choose to light the candle before the vows. The candles may be blown out after lighting the unity candle, representing the couple's inseparable union. Alternatively, all candles may remain lit, symbolising the couple's individuality within their union.
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to involve family members and symbolise the joining of two lives and families. It adds a unique and meaningful touch to the wedding ceremony, allowing the couple to customise and express their own interpretation of the ritual.
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Frequently asked questions
Unity candles are a relatively new custom, becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in American Protestant weddings. The exact origins are unclear, but the practice may have been popularised by a 1981 episode of *General Hospital*, or by Dr Michael Portelli, who is credited with the idea of a "Marriage Candle" and used it in his wedding in the 1980s.
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise two people and their families joining in marriage. The couple lights a large "unity candle" from their individual candles.
Unity candles are usually lit after the exchange of vows and rings, but some couples prefer to light them beforehand, especially if the unity candle ceremony is added to a handfasting ceremony.
