The Illuminating Tradition Of Wedding Candles

what does lighting a candle at a wedding mean

Lighting a candle at a wedding is a symbolic ritual that represents the joining of two people and their families. During the ceremony, the couple each lights a small candle, then simultaneously lights a larger candle from the flames of their individual candles. This larger candle, known as the unity candle, symbolises the couple's union and the creation of their new, blended family. The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by words from the officiant, explaining the meaning of the ritual and the significance of the candles. While it is believed to be a modern tradition, it has become a popular addition to wedding ceremonies, adding a romantic and meaningful touch to the celebration.

Characteristics Values
What Unity candle ceremony
Why Symbolises the joining of two people and two families into one
Who The couple, with the option to involve family members or friends
When Towards the end of the wedding ceremony, after vows and ring exchange
Where On a small table at the front of the ceremony, or outdoors with a protective covering
How Each member of the couple lights a taper candle and simultaneously lights a larger candle in the centre

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Unity candle ceremonies are a modern tradition

During the unity candle ceremony, each member of the couple lights a taper candle and simultaneously lights a larger candle, known as the "unity candle", representing their union and the creation of a blended family. The ceremony is usually led by an officiant who explains the symbolism of the ritual. The unity candle ceremony can be personalised by including music, poems, or readings in the background.

The unity candle ceremony set typically includes two smaller taper candles and one larger pillar candle, often with candle holders and decorations. The cost of the set can vary depending on the level of personalisation and elaborateness. Couples can choose to include their names, family trees, or match the design and colour of the candles to their wedding theme.

The unity candle ceremony is a memorable and romantic way to symbolise the enduring commitment and love between the couple, marking the beginning of their journey as a married couple. It is a special ritual that adds a unique touch to the wedding ceremony.

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The candles symbolise the joining of two people

The unity candle ceremony is a wedding tradition that symbolises the joining of two people and the creation of a blended family. The ceremony usually takes place towards the end of the wedding ceremony, with the couple each lighting a taper candle and using them to simultaneously light a larger pillar candle. The flame that burns represents the unity of the couple.

The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by a script read by the officiant, celebrant or marriage commissioner, explaining the symbolism of the ritual. The ceremony may also include family members, with parents or children of the couple lighting the taper candles before the couple lights the centre candle together.

The unity candle ceremony is a modern tradition that holds symbolic meaning and is not tied to any particular religion. It is a simple yet meaningful ritual that has gained popularity in weddings across different religions and beliefs, including Christian and interfaith weddings.

The lighting of the candles symbolises the joining of two individuals, their journeys, and the merging of their families to form a new life together. The two taper candles represent each individual, and the centre candle represents the union of the couple and the blending of their families.

The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage and the creation of a new family unit. It is a romantic ritual that adds a special touch to the wedding ceremony, celebrating the couple's everlasting love and devotion.

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The candles can also symbolise the joining of two families

The unity candle ceremony is a wedding tradition that symbolises the joining of two people in marriage. The ceremony involves the couple using two separate candles to light a larger candle in the centre, symbolising the coming together of their two hearts in wedded bliss. The outer candles represent the individual lives of the couple and the families they came from, while the larger candle symbolises the new life they will share together as a family unit.

The unity candle ceremony is often performed towards the end of the wedding ceremony, after the vows have been exchanged. The couple will light the centre candle together, and then blow out the taper candles, symbolising the end of their unmarried lives and the beginning of their married life as a blended family.

The unity candle ceremony is a relatively modern tradition, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Christian weddings. It is believed that the idea of a unity candle was first introduced by Dr Michael Portelli, who used it in his own wedding in the 1980s. The ceremony has since gained popularity in weddings of all faiths and is often included as a way to symbolise the joining of two families.

The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful and romantic way to symbolise the union of not just the couple but also their families. It is a simple yet meaningful ritual that adds a personal touch to the wedding ceremony and creates a lasting memory for the couple and their loved ones.

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The ceremony usually takes place towards the end of the wedding

The unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual that is often incorporated towards the end of the wedding ceremony. The ceremony is a meaningful way to symbolise the union of the couple and the joining of two families. The ceremony is usually performed after the couple has exchanged their vows and rings but before the pronouncement and first kiss.

The unity candle ceremony is typically performed with three candles. The couple each lights a small taper candle and uses it to simultaneously light a larger pillar candle. The flame that burns in the centre candle represents the unity of the couple. The ceremony ends with each partner blowing out the other's taper candle, symbolising the end of their unmarried lives and their everlasting unity.

The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by a script read by the officiant. The script usually explains the symbolism of the unity candle ceremony and the merging of the two families. The ceremony can be adapted to include more participants, such as the mothers or children of the couple, who can light the taper candles.

The unity candle ceremony is a popular tradition that can be incorporated into both religious and non-religious ceremonies. It is often chosen as a meaningful way to symbolise the couple's everlasting love and devotion.

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The unity candle is often blown out to symbolise the merging of two lives

The unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual that has gained popularity in recent decades. It is a way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage, and the merging of their two families. The ceremony involves the couple lighting a single candle, known as the unity candle, from two separate candles, known as taper candles. The unity candle is often blown out at the end of the ceremony, to symbolise the merging of the two lives of the couple.

The unity candle ceremony is a modern tradition, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Christian weddings. It is not a religious ritual, and is performed by couples with varying beliefs. The ceremony is often included in non-religious weddings, as well as Christian and interfaith weddings. The ritual is not explicitly part of the Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies, and is prohibited in some churches.

The unity candle ceremony is a simple but meaningful act. The two taper candles represent the couple as individuals, and the centre unity candle symbolises their new life together. The lighting of the unity candle symbolises the joining of the couple and the creation of a new, blended family. The ceremony often takes place after the couple has exchanged vows, and may include music or readings in the background.

The unity candle ceremony is a romantic way to symbolise the union of the couple and the merging of their families. The ritual is often performed by the couple alone, but some couples choose to include friends and family, such as their mothers or children, by having them light the taper candles. The unity candle is usually blown out by the couple together at the end of the ceremony, to symbolise the start of their journey as a married couple.

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Frequently asked questions

Lighting a unity candle at a wedding is a ritual that symbolizes the joining of two people and the creation of a new, blended family.

The unity candle ceremony usually takes place towards the end of the wedding ceremony, after the vows and ring exchange but before the pronouncement and first kiss.

At a minimum, the unity candle ceremony involves the couple and their officiant. However, it is common to involve other family members and friends, or even the entire guest list.

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