Brooke Martin
Unity candles are used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize 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 unity candle ceremony involves two taper candles that are initially lit, which are then used by the marrying couple to light a larger pillar candle in the center together, signifying the union of their lives and the love they share. While white is the most common color for unity candles, symbolizing purity, peace, and harmony, couples may choose to use candles in different colors or with unique designs to add a personal touch to their ceremony.
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle wedding ceremony
The unity candle ceremony is a modern wedding tradition that symbolizes the joining of two individuals in marriage. The ceremony involves the couple simultaneously lighting a larger "unity candle" from their respective taper candles, representing the union of two families. This ritual is often performed after exchanging vows, with the couple's mothers or children lighting the initial taper candles. The unity candle ceremony is particularly meaningful for Christian weddings, symbolizing the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the union.
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom, gaining popularity in the second half of the 20th century, especially in American Protestant weddings. It is believed that its inclusion in a 1981 episode of "General Hospital" contributed to its fame. The ceremony is not limited to Christian weddings and has been adopted by couples with varying religions and beliefs. While it is not officially recognized in Catholic weddings, some parishes allow it during the reception or with specific guidelines.
The unity candle ceremony is a simple yet meaningful addition to a wedding. Couples can personalize the ritual by choosing specific candle colors, engravings, or family tree prints. The candles themselves hold symbolic value, with white candles representing purity, peace, and unity, while red candles symbolize passion and love. Other colors like pink, green, blue, and violet are also used to evoke emotions like tenderness, prosperity, calmness, and spiritual upliftment, respectively.
Couples can further customize their unity candle ceremony by incorporating music, poetry readings, or instrumental pieces performed by guests. The ceremony can be made safer and more practical through the use of candle holders and hurricane lamps, especially for outdoor weddings. The unity candle kit, including candles and accessories, can be purchased or DIY-ed to match the wedding theme and budget.
Overall, the unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way for couples to express their love and devotion while creating a memorable experience for themselves and their guests. It serves as a symbol of their commitment and the blending of their families.
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Symbolism and meaning
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, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic wedding ritual involving two taper candles that are initially lit. The marrying couple then uses the taper candles to light a large pillar candle together, signifying the union of their lives and the love they share. The ritual of lighting the candle is both a physical and emotional act.
The meaning behind a unity candle ceremony varies depending on the couple and their beliefs. For some, it is a religious symbol of their commitment to God. While for others, it is a romantic gesture that symbolizes their union. In Catholic and other Christian weddings, the candle's flame sometimes represents the light of God that's carried within each partner, joined together in the holy covenant of marriage. In pagan weddings, unity candles are lit on the solstice to symbolize a return to longer days and the promise of a bountiful future, or as part of a candle magic ritual. For Christians, the unity candle may also be compared to the Holy Spirit and Jesus, the Light of the World, within the souls of those who have been baptized.
The unity candle is lit by the couple during the ceremony. They light the candle together when instructed by the wedding officiant, using two taper candles—one for each partner. Sometimes, the taper candles are lit by a parent or elder and then passed to the couple to light the unity candle. In this case, a bride or groom's mother or father lights the candle to symbolize their love and support for the marriage.
While white is the most common colour for unity candles, couples can choose to use candles in different colours or with unique designs. Couples can choose two taper candles that represent each of them. The taper candles are often a different colour than the unity candle and can be decorated with unique ribbons or other decorations to signify the two individuals that are coming together.
The colour white is often associated with purity, innocence, peace, harmony, truth, unity, and goodness, and is often used to represent the higher self and the divine. In rituals, white candles can be used to symbolize the presence of the divine or to evoke a sense of peace and serenity. White candles can also be used to create a sacred space or to set the intention for a ritual.
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Religious significance
The unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual that involves lighting two taper candles and using them to light a large pillar candle together, symbolizing the union of two individuals in marriage. While the unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom, first appearing in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings, it holds religious significance for many couples.
In Catholic and Christian weddings, the unity candle ceremony is often imbued with spiritual meaning. For some, it symbolizes the couple's commitment to God, representing the light of God carried within each partner, joined in the holy covenant of marriage. The candle's flame can also signify the passion in each individual's soul for their spouse, invoking the Holy Spirit and Jesus, the Light of the World, within the souls of those who are baptized.
In mixed marriages between Catholics and Christians of other traditions, the unity candle can take on added significance. Since Holy Communion is not encouraged in such settings, the unity candle may be employed as a sign of the couple's baptismal unity. This draws parallels with the rite of baptism, where a smaller candle is lit from the flame of the Paschal Candle and given to the newly baptized as a symbol of receiving the "light of Christ".
The unity candle ceremony also holds meaning in pagan weddings. In these contexts, the unity candle may be lit on the solstice to symbolize the return of longer days and the promise of a bountiful future, or it may be incorporated into candle magic rituals.
While the unity candle ceremony is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible or apostolic writings, it has become an important ritual for many couples, regardless of their religious affiliation. The ceremony allows couples to express their love, commitment, and unity in a profound and visual way, making it a memorable part of their wedding day.
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Alternative unity ceremonies
Unity ceremonies are symbolic rituals that couples partake in during their wedding ceremony. The act almost always represents the two individuals becoming one married unit, and sometimes includes family members.
The unity candle ceremony is one of the most well-known unity ceremonies. It involves lighting a candle to symbolise the joining of two individuals into the marriage bond. The candle is usually white, which is often associated with purity, innocence, peace, harmony, truth, unity, and goodness. However, other candle colours carry their own meanings, such as red for passion, green for prosperity, pink for tender love, and yellow for joy and happiness.
- Sand ceremony: The couple mixes two different colours of sand into one container, symbolising their lives and hearts entwined.
- Water ceremony: Similar to the sand ceremony, this blends two colours into one. The couple can experiment with colours and liquids to create a layered effect.
- Wine ceremony: Two wines are blended into one, symbolising the merging of two into one.
- Rose ceremony: The couple and their family members each have a rose, which they swap and place into a vase together.
- Tree-watering ceremony: The couple waters a tree during their ceremony, which will then grow and flourish in their home alongside their marriage.
- Painting: The couple creates a painting together, which can be a fun activity and a keepsake.
- Tying a knot: The couple ties a fisherman's knot, which gets tighter with pressure, symbolising their bond.
- Cutting a log: An old German tradition where the couple cuts through a log together, representing the first obstacle they tackle as a team.
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Colours and their meanings
Colours are a powerful aspect of our visual world, influencing our thinking, decisions, moods, and reactions. They can evoke emotions, memories, and even control our behaviour. Different cultures and societies attribute varying symbolic meanings to colours, and artists use this to their advantage to draw attention and convey specific messages in their artwork.
White
In many cultures, white symbolises purity, cleanliness, and innocence. It is also associated with spirituality, protection, peace, harmony, truth, unity, and goodness. In rituals, white candles are used to evoke serenity and create sacred spaces.
Red
Red is a powerful and energetic colour that draws attention. It is associated with passion, love, sexuality, and fertility. Red is also used to signal caution and danger. In a revolutionary context, red can express anger, sin, courage, guilt, or good luck.
Orange
Orange is a warm and youthful colour that exudes joy and optimism. It is considered fun, adding spontaneity and positivity to life. Orange promotes social communication, creativity, and mental clarity.
Green
Green is a relaxing and generous colour that revitalises our bodies and minds. It symbolises harmony, balance, and abundance. Green can also represent new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. However, it can also signify envy or jealousy.
Blue
Blue is a calming and cooling colour that inspires peace and serenity. It is often associated with sadness but also with responsibility and reliability. Light blues are refreshing and friendly, while dark blues convey strength. Blue is also used to represent spiritual communication and has religious connotations in many cultures.
Violet
Violet is associated with spirituality, intuition, and spiritual transformation or upliftment. It is often used during meditation and prayer practices to symbolise contact with higher planes of consciousness.
Unity Candles
A unity candle is used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise the joining of two individuals in marriage. The lighting of the candle by both partners symbolises the merging of two lives and families into one.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle is used in a wedding ceremony to symbolize two people and their lives joining in marriage.
The most common color for a unity candle is white. White candles represent purity, peace, and spiritual connection.
While white is the most traditional color, couples may choose to use different colors to add a personal touch. Some alternative colors include pink, which symbolizes love and friendship, and green, which represents harmony and
The unity candle is usually lit by the couple during the ceremony. The couple uses two taper candles, one for each partner, to light a larger central candle together. Alternatively, the taper candles may be lit by a parent or elder, symbolizing their love and support for the marriage.
The unity candle is lit during the wedding ceremony. It is recommended that the candle remains lit until the wedding is complete and the couple has exited down the aisle. The wedding officiant or another attendant then blows out the candle.
