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
Unity Candle Ceremony Script
With this in mind, Phillips shares that the below is a script that can be used: "As you share and light these candles today and two become one, your family also shares the union you create. The blending of the two families into one to support your marriage."
What are the words to the unity candles? ›
"As we light this candle, let it represent the unity of (Spouse 1) and (Spouse 2) and their life together from this moment on. As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall your marriage or lives be divided. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity."
What is the explanation of the unity candle? ›
The Unity candle symbolizes the joining of their families, the merging of two individuals, the creation of a blended family, etc. Officiant speaks: At this time we will have the lighting of the Unity candle. I want to ask representatives of both families to light one of the candles.
Do you light the unity candle before or after the vows? ›
To simply break it down, a unity candle lighting ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the vow exchange, when the to-be-weds light one main candle with two separate candles, representing the merging of two families and two individuals.
What is the quote for unity candles? ›
As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony in your home. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity.
Do mothers light the unity candle? ›
Although it is traditional to have the mothers of the bride or groom light the candles in the ceremony, there is no reason that you cannot adjust the tradition based on your own needs. You could ask the friend who brought you and your partner together to light the candle, to symbolise their role in your relationship.
What does a minister say for the unity candle? ›
From this day onward, may you bask in the beauty of the light of your love, May its light shine bright and steady upon your path together and may its heat keep you warm through all the days of your lives and beyond. Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the lighting of the unity candle.
Who blows out the unity candle at a wedding? ›
The flame that burns represents the unity of the two partners. The ceremony ends with each partner blowing out the other's taper candle (kissing their unmarried life goodbye and bonding them forever).
Is the unity candle a Catholic tradition? ›
The Unity Candle Ceremony is not part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony. Catholic Tradition, instead, 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.
Is unity candle biblical? ›
The flame from the candles is based on Christian symbolism. The flames could represent Jesus being the Light, Moses and the burning bush, or God as the pillar leading the Israelites. And once the two flames merge into one, this symbolizes the marriage covenant presented in both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Pagan Unity Candle Ceremony
(Parents come to the altar and light their tapers.) “Above you below you, forever surrounding you shall be the pledge you make unto each other today. It is the pledge of the truth and purity of your every breath. The constant friendship of your hearts.
Is unity candle necessary? ›
A unity ritual is certainly not required, but there may be a ceremony option that's the perfect fit for you and your partner, whether you're looking for something religious, historical, or secular.
What to say during unity candle lighting? ›
May its energy fill your spirits with strength and joy. As you light the Unity Candle, I want to ask you – and all your friends and family that are present today – to see the brightness of the flame as a symbol of the brightness that your own life brings to this new family.
What does veil symbolize in a wedding? ›
The veil symbolises the bride's humility and purity as she takes part in this sacred occasion.
Do you say blessing before or after lighting candles? ›
[1] Common Ashkenazi custom is for women to first light the candles and only then to recite the blessing. Most Sefardic women, however, reverse the procedure by first reciting the blessing and only then lighting the candles. [2] The blessing recited upon the Shabbat candles is "….. lehadlik ner shel Shabbat".
What do you say when lighting a peace candle? ›
Week Two: Peace
(Light the second candle in your Advent wreath.) Reader One: May the light from this candle overwhelm the world. Reader Two: May the light from this candle say to all that God's peace is coming, on earth as it already is in heaven. Reader One: Friends, be not afraid, God's peace is at hand!
What do you say when lighting a memorial candle? ›
- when you light the candle, you can say something like "in memory of ____" or "___, we love and miss you." - memorial candles can be used to help remember a specific person or event, or to honor all of the people who have died in a particular place or time.
What to say during Unity sand ceremony? ›
“BRIDE and GROOM, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you'll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today.
