In the Christian faith, the Unity Candle isa tradition that many couples begin at their wedding ceremony. Traditionally, three candles are displayed: onethat represents the bride, one that represents the groom, and one thatrepresents their covenant marriage.
Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man leaves hisfather and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Theway that the candles are lit reflects the leaving and cleaving of the bride andgroom.
After the mother of the bride and groom areescorted down the aisle at the start of the ceremony, they will light the twooutside candles to symbolize each individual family.
Vows are then exchanged and the pronouncement ofhusband and wife is proclaimed. Thebride and groom move towards the candles, each taking their own lit candle andlighting together the middlepillar candle, symbolizing their two livesbecoming one.
The tradition is symbolic and also refers to Jesusbeing the Light of the world. Theconcept that Jesus is the Light and that we are to let our lights shine beforemen in order to reflect God’s glory (Matthew 5:16) make the use of flames apoetic depiction of two Christian lives becoming one. Once the two flames merge and create a newflame, there is no way to then separate out the two individual flames. They are inextricably one.
Some couples prefer to blow the bride’s and groom’scandles out after the unity candle is lit. This symbolizes the fact that the couple no longer exists without oneanother.
Many couples choose simplistictaper candles or atraditional weddingcandle for this ceremony. While othersselect highly decorative displays or candles that are symbolic of theirheritage, favorite colors or other cultural symbols.
FAQs
In the Christian faith, the Unity Candle is a tradition that many couples begin at their wedding ceremony. Traditionally, three candles are displayed: one that represents the bride, one that represents the groom, and one that represents their covenant marriage.
What is the unity candle tradition? ›
It is a special way to show the joining of families, the merging of two people and the first steps as a blended family. It involves the couple using two separate candles to light one centre candle that symbolises the coming together of their two hearts in wedded bliss.
What to say during unity candle lighting? ›
As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold, and strength and joy in your bodies, minds, and spirits. May your union be forever blessed.
What is a reverse unity candle ceremony? ›
Reverse Unity Candle. There's a saying that "it takes a village" to make a family work. In this play on the unity candle, guests each have their own smaller candles. The unity candle is lit by the bride and groom and then the flame is passed from guest to guest as they light their own candles.
Why do mothers light the unity candle? ›
The lighting of the unity candle symbolizes the merging of two families into one. Two candles symbolize the couple's individual lives, the third their life together.
Is unity candle biblical? ›
The lighting of a "unity candle" is a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies. There is no record of it in the bible or any apostolic writings.
Who blows out the unity candle? ›
Walker notes that a couple traditionally blows out the unity candle together. "This symbolizes their unity and the start of their journey as a married couple," she adds. However, it is customary to do this together once the ceremony is completed and all guests have exited the venue.
Who should light the unity candle? ›
Just before the wedding vows, the parents of the couple come forward (or other family members, children etc.) and light a candle for each. Then the couple light the center candle from these two outside candles.
What is the quote about the unity candle? ›
As the one center light cannot be divided, neither can your lives. May the one in whose name you are joined, who worked in your lives as individuals, continue to walk with you in your life together.
What can you do with unity candles? ›
One of the most absolute ways to treasure its emotional value is by unity candle lightening ceremony. The two taper candles are lit just before the couple makes life time commitments to signify the bonding of the two families. The bride and the groom then use these flickering candles to light the middle pillar candle.
For starters, cut out a broad strip of a geometric design paper napkin and wrap it around the lower half of a white pillar candle. Cover the candle with wax paper and evenly heat it with a heat gun. Once the napkin sticks to the candle, remove the wax paper and you're good to go!
What is a candle passing ceremony? ›
Description: Ceremonies conducted by sorority women on campus to celebrate the engagement of one of the women in the group. During candle lighting festivities sorority women generally form a circle in the amphitheatre, take each other's hands, and sing as they pass a single candle around the circle.
What is a unity candle ritual? ›
A unity candle is lit during a wedding ceremony to symbolise the union of two people. In this modern non-religious ritual, the couple each take a lighted candle and together light a larger unity candle to signify 'two becoming one'.
Is the unity candle a Catholic tradition? ›
Answer: The “unity candle” is not a required element of the Catholic nuptial liturgy, either within Mass or outside of it. The unity candle is a wedding-industry fad of recent decades that has been incorporated into many Christian weddings, Catholic and non-Catholic.
Do you play music during unity candle ceremony? ›
Unity candle songs should reflect the intimate and unifying nature of the moment. Choose songs that speak to your journey as a couple and your hopes for the future. The music should be as meaningful and personal as the ceremony itself, echoing the love and commitment you share.
What is the purpose of the candle lighting ceremony? ›
These ceremonies encourage reflection and provide an opportunity for friends and family to come together, offering support and comfort during a difficult time. The act of lighting a candle serves as a physical reminder of their presence, illuminating the room and symbolizing the light they brought into your life.
What is the meaning of the candle ceremony? ›
The lighting of this candle is a ceremonial acknowledgement of the vows exchanged by the bride and groom that have united them in marriage. This single flame signifies that marriage is a joining of two people who have chosen to share life together rather than individual lives.
Do you light the unity candle before exchanging rings? ›
After the Exchange of Rings and before pronouncing the couple, the officiant announces that they've chosen to symbolize their union by lighting the Unity Candle. As the officiant explains the symbolism to the guests, the bride and groom walk behind the table so everyone can see what they are doing.
