Rhiannon Hendricks
The Unity Candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition in Catholic weddings, which involves lighting taper candles representing the bride and groom, as well as their families, and a pillar candle representing their new union. While it is not included in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony and is not allowed in some dioceses and parishes, many others permit it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Candles | 3 |
| Type of Candles | 2 taper candles and 1 pillar candle |
| What the Candles Represent | The taper candles represent the bride and groom, their parents and siblings, and their families of origin. The pillar candle represents the couple as a married couple and their unity in Jesus. |
| When the Candles Are Lit | After the blessing and giving of rings and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful |
| Ceremony Permission | Allowed in many dioceses and parishes but not all |
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What You'll Learn
Taper candles: representing the bride, groom, and their families
Taper candles are a beautiful and elegant addition to any Catholic wedding ceremony and reception. They can be used in a variety of ways to represent the bride, groom, and their families and to add a romantic and whimsical atmosphere to the celebration.
During the Unity Candle ceremony, two taper candles are lit, representing the bride and groom, and their families. These taper candles are then used to light a larger pillar or wedding candle, which symbolises the joining of the couple in marriage and the union of their two families. The taper candles are usually lit before the liturgy by the mothers of the bride and groom or by other relatives or friends. The couple then takes their lit taper candles and simultaneously lights the central candle together, creating a powerful symbol of their commitment and unity.
The use of taper candles in the Unity Candle ceremony adds a layer of meaning to the wedding ceremony, representing the baptismal candles of the bride and groom, their faith in Jesus, and their commitment to live as his disciples. The taper candles can also be seen as a symbol of the couple's individual lives before marriage, which are now merged as one flame in the central candle. This ritual is a relatively new tradition, popularised in the second half of the 20th century, and is not explicitly part of Catholic apostolic tradition, so it is important to check with the pastor before including it in the wedding ceremony.
In addition to their symbolic role, taper candles can also enhance the ambiance and decor of the wedding reception. They can be chosen in colours that match the wedding theme and style, adding a pop of colour and a touch of elegance to the venue. Taper candles can be used as centrepieces, incorporated into floral arrangements, or placed on the cake table to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Their soft glow and flickering light can transform a stuffy banquet hall into a magical and whimsical setting, making the reception feel like a fairy-tale forest.
Overall, taper candles play a significant role in Catholic weddings, not only as a symbol of the bride, groom, and their families but also as a decorative element that adds romance, elegance, and a unique touch to the entire celebration.
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Pillar candle: symbolising the couple's new union and Jesus
The Unity Candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition that is not officially part of the Catholic wedding ceremony. It is not encouraged by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, but many dioceses and parishes permit it, and it is seen as a way to grant a couple's wishes on their wedding day.
The Unity Candle ceremony involves the lighting of a pillar candle from two taper candles. The taper candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and groom, or by other relatives or friends, and then the couple simultaneously lights the pillar candle. The taper candles represent the bride and groom as individuals, and the pillar candle symbolises the couple joined together as one in marriage.
The pillar candle also represents Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). By lighting the candle, the couple declares that Jesus is at the centre of their marriage and that they are joined together by him. The sacramental grace that he supplies will sustain and hold them together, and they will individually and jointly follow his light.
The Unity Candle ceremony is usually held after the blessing and giving of rings and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful. The taper candles are returned to their holders and left burning, symbolising that the couple retains their individuality even as they become one in marriage.
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Baptismal candles: representing the bride and groom's faith
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The candle ceremony is not part of the official Catholic wedding ceremony and is prohibited in some churches. However, it is not explicitly prohibited by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and many dioceses do allow it. The unity candle ceremony is performed after the blessing and giving of rings and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful.
The unity candle ceremony involves the lighting of two taper candles, representing the bride and groom, which are then used to light a larger pillar candle in the centre. The taper candles are often lit by the mothers of the bride and groom. The two taper candles may be blown out, symbolising the merging of two lives into one, or they may remain lit, symbolising that the couple has not lost their individuality. The lighting of the pillar candle symbolises Jesus as the centre of the marriage, joining the couple together. The lighted pillar candle also represents Jesus as the light of the world.
The taper candles also represent the baptismal candles of the bride and groom, symbolising their faith in Jesus and their commitment to living their lives as his disciples. The baptismal candle is a candle used in the ceremony of baptism and is often provided by the parents of the baptised. The candle is then kept and lit on the anniversary of the baptism, as well as on solemn occasions in later life, such as a wedding day.
Therefore, the taper candles used in the unity candle ceremony represent the faith of the bride and groom, as well as their individual lives coming together as one in marriage.
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Unity candle ceremony: an optional tradition
The Unity Candle ceremony is an optional tradition for Catholic weddings. It is a relatively new tradition that holds much sentimental value for many couples. The ceremony is elegant, beautiful, and memorable. While it is not included in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Catholic Church and is not allowed in some dioceses and parishes, it is permitted in many others.
The Unity Candle ceremony usually involves two taper candles and a pillar candle. The taper candles represent the bride and groom as individuals, as well as their families of origin, including their parents and siblings. The pillar candle represents the couple joined together as a married couple and the new family they have created through their marriage.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom light the pillar candle together, symbolizing the declaration that Jesus is at the center of their marriage and that they are joined together by him. The lighting of the candle also signifies their commitment to follow his light individually and jointly. The ceremony typically takes place after the blessing and giving of rings and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful.
The taper candles also hold symbolic meaning, representing the baptismal candles of the bride and groom and their faith in Jesus. They symbolize the couple's commitment to live their lives as disciples of Jesus, as well as the idea that their individuality remains even as they become one in marriage ("they are no longer two but one flesh," Mark 10:8). The Unity Candle ceremony provides an opportunity for the couple to perform an action together immediately after exchanging their vows.
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Sentimental value: the unity candle ceremony's appeal
The Unity Candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition in Catholic weddings, and it carries a lot of sentimental value. While it is not officially part of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Catholic Church and is not allowed in some dioceses and parishes, many others permit it. The ceremony is elegant, beautiful, and memorable, providing an opportunity for the couple to act together immediately after exchanging their vows.
The Unity Candle ceremony involves lighting a pillar candle, which represents the new family formed through the marriage of the bride and groom. This pillar candle is lit from two taper candles, one representing the bride and her family, and the other representing the groom and his family. The taper candles also symbolise the individuality of the bride and groom, their faith in Jesus, and their commitment to living their lives as his disciples.
The lighting of the Unity Candle symbolises the joining of the couple as they become "no longer two but one flesh" (Mk 10:8). It also represents Jesus, the light of the world (Jn 8:12), and the couple's declaration that Jesus is at the centre of their marriage. The ceremony is a powerful testament to the couple's love and commitment, with the candle serving as a reminder of the sacred nature of their union.
The sentimental value of the Unity Candle ceremony lies in its ability to visually represent the union of two families and the creation of a new family unit. The ceremony provides a moment of reflection and declaration of faith, adding a layer of emotional depth to the wedding celebration. The candle itself becomes a cherished memento, serving as a reminder of the couple's love, commitment, and the presence of Jesus in their marriage.
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Frequently asked questions
Three. Two taper candles and one pillar candle. The taper candles represent the bride and groom, and the pillar candle represents their new union.
The taper candles represent the bride and groom as individuals, their families, and their faith in Jesus. The pillar candle represents their new life together as a married couple, with Jesus at the centre of their union.
No, it is not included in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony. The Unity Candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition that is not permitted in some dioceses and parishes.
The Unity Candle ceremony usually takes place after the blessing and giving of rings, and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful.
