Jessie Taylor
Unity candles are a staple of traditional Filipino weddings, which are a blend of Catholic, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. The unity candle ceremony involves the ninong and ninang lighting the couple's individual candles, which are then used to light a larger candle in the middle. This symbolises the couple's unity, as well as Jesus Christ's presence in their marriage. Couples can order unity candles from specialist wedding retailers, such as Sinta & Co.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding candle suppliers in the Philippines
If you're looking for wedding candle suppliers in the Philippines, one option to consider is Manila Candle. Established in 2019, this company offers scented candles inspired by the Philippines and provides candle care instructions with every purchase, ensuring that customers can enjoy their candles safely and efficiently.
While Manila Candle does not specifically advertise wedding or unity candles, their focus on bringing the beauty of the Philippines to life through scent could make their candles a unique and meaningful addition to your wedding celebration.
You could also explore the possibility of custom orders or collaborations with local artisans to create unity candles that truly represent your vision. Many candle makers are open to working on bespoke projects, allowing you to choose custom colours, fragrances, and even personalised labels or engravings that reflect your wedding theme.
Another option is to consider local candle-making studios or workshops, where you and your partner could create your own unity candles under the guidance of experienced candlemakers. This interactive approach not only ensures a unique and personalised result but also offers a memorable experience in the lead-up to your wedding day.
Remember to plan ahead and place your orders or make the necessary arrangements well in advance to ensure that your unity candles are ready in time for your special day.
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The symbolism of unity candles
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the joining of two people 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 origin of the unity candle is unclear, but it may have been popularised by an episode of *General Hospital* in 1981.
The unity candle ceremony usually involves two taper candles, which are lit by the couple, or by parents or elders and then passed to the couple. The taper candles are then used to light a larger pillar candle in the centre. The lighting of the unity candle symbolises the two individuals coming together as one married couple. The individual taper candles may remain lit beside the central candle, to represent that the now-married couple has not lost their individuality. Alternatively, the taper candles may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged.
For Christians, the unity candle may be compared to the Holy Spirit and Jesus, who is the light of the world, within the souls of those who are baptised. In a Catholic wedding, the unity candle may be employed as a sign of the baptismal unity of the couple. The couple lights their individual candles from the paschal candle, and the individual candles are not extinguished.
The unity candle ceremony is a way to involve more people than just the couple, such as parents, children, and other family members. It can add a romantic and meaningful touch to a wedding ceremony.
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The candle, cord, coins, and veil tradition
The unity candle ceremony involves the ninong and ninang (sponsors) lighting two individual candles, which the couple then uses to light a larger middle candle together. The individual candles represent the couple's lives before their union, and the centre candle symbolises their love, traditions, and experiences coming together as one. The three candles also represent the couple's commitment to each other and to God. The candle is kept ablaze throughout the marriage, symbolising the enduring passion and commitment between the couple.
The cord and veil ritual, sometimes called the lasso ceremony, involves a cord looped and crossed in the middle, symbolising the infinite bond of love uniting the couple's hearts and souls. The couple faces each other, with the cord and veil forming a figure eight between them. The cord symbolises the couple's strength and courage in facing adversity together, reminding them of their duty to support each other in their marriage.
The unity coin ceremony, also known as Las Arras or Arrhae, represents the couple's sharing of worldly goods. Sponsors present the wedding officiator with 13 coins, symbolising Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles. The officiator then trickles the coins into the couple's hands, signifying the promise of prosperity and abundance in their union.
These rituals are often included in modern Filipino weddings, with couples adapting the scripts to suit non-religious or non-denominational ceremonies while still honouring the cultural significance of these traditions.
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Non-religious unity candle alternatives
Unity candles are a popular way to symbolise the joining of two people in matrimony, but they are not the only way to mark this occasion. Here are some alternative ways to celebrate your union that don't involve candles:
Sand Pouring
A popular alternative to unity candles is the use of sand. Couples can pour different-coloured sand into a single container, creating a unique pattern that symbolises their union. This can be done inside or outside, and many couples choose to use their wedding colours for the sand. You could also incorporate another vase for a child to make it a family ceremony.
Tree Planting
Planting a tree or some greenery is a wonderful way to symbolise the growth of your love and the tending you will do to help your relationship flourish. Couples can add dirt to a pot or directly into the ground around the tree. This is a great option for nature lovers and those looking to add some greenery to their home.
Rose Exchange
A simple and elegant unity ceremony involves the couple exchanging roses. This can be adapted to include the families, with the bride and groom presenting their mothers with roses. Leis are another flower-based option, symbolising the love and respect between the couple and their new family union.
Handfasting
Handfasting is a traditional ritual where the couple's hands are tied together with a cord to symbolise their union. This can be done with a single cord or multiple cords, depending on your preference.
Circling
In Eastern European ceremonies, the couple circles the altar three times, representing their first steps as a married couple. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times to seal their bond. This unbroken circle is a powerful symbol of their commitment to each other.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many ways to personalise your wedding ceremony and showcase your union in a meaningful and unique way.
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The role of sponsors
Sponsors play a key role in Filipino weddings, offering support to the couple on their big day and beyond. The wedding sponsors can be loved ones who represent values that align with the couple's beliefs. They act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage contract or certificate. There are two types of sponsors: primary and secondary.
Primary Sponsors
The primary sponsors march behind the groom, followed by the secondary sponsors. They are seated at the first few pews. Female primary sponsors sit on the left side, while male primary sponsors sit on the right. The primary sponsors are also known as ninongs and ninangs, and they act as godparents to the couple. They are usually older couples whose marriages the newlyweds admire and from whom they can seek advice. They also typically provide financial assistance and are given special tokens of gratitude.
Secondary Sponsors
There are three types of secondary sponsors: candle sponsors, veil sponsors, and cord sponsors. Each of these sponsors has a specific role in the wedding ceremony, carrying and using symbolic items during the wedding. The candle sponsors light the candles at the altar and hand them to the bride and groom, who then light the unity candle together. The veil sponsors lay the veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder, and the cord sponsors place a knotted cord over the couple's heads. Secondary sponsors have more freedom when it comes to attire, and they are usually chosen from among the couple's closest friends, family, and relatives.
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Frequently asked questions
You can shop for unity candles, cords, veils and coins on Sinta & Co.
Unity candles symbolise the couple's unity as they face the world together. The lighting of the larger, middle candle also signifies Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, ever-present during their marriage.
During the ceremony, the ninong and ninang would light the couple's candles, who then light a larger, middle candle together.
