The Protestant Wedding Ritual of Joining Two Families is Growing in Popularity Again
The lighting of the Unity Candle is rather new to wedding ceremonies. Practiced by many modern couples today, it is a symbol of love and the brand new union between you and your husband, as well as of both your families.
Lit from within.
The Unity Candle is a ritual that is 20-40 years old, originating in Protestant wedding ceremonies. It cements the joining of two families in celebration of their love for the bride and groom and their holy union. Usually, the parents on both sides will light one small candle for the bride and one for the groom, and then hand them to the couple who will use them to light one candle, symbolizing their eternal commitment to one another. The parents are involved to show their joy and celebration for the couple and to signify that the marriage is not only between two people, but the entire families as well.
Lighting the way.
Two white taper candles for the parents, and one large pillar candle (the Unity Candle) in the center, are needed. The mothers and fathers of the bride and groom each hold one taper candle, while the couple lights the unity candle, which comes later in the ceremony, after the vows are said and the rings are exchanged.
The symbolism.
Many brides and grooms choose the Unity Candle ceremony because the small, taper candles are lit by representatives of each sides' family (usually the parents, but can be siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc.), uniting the entirety of the two families, and firming the bonds of love from one side to the other. Sometimes the couple views the lighting ceremony as a gift to their families; they are reaching out to the other side and gladly welcoming them into their lives forever.
Variations.
An alternative to the traditional Unity Candle lighting ceremony is to blow out the taper candles, indicating that the two people and their families are forever joined together, and their lives are to be integrated as one from then on. Or, the taper candles may be left intact beside the unity candle to symbolize that the married couple and their families have not lost their individuality.
Decorating love.
A unity candle can be decorated with the wedding invitation, an inscription, a picture of the couple, or other ornamentation. The candles are almost always white. In some circles, it is customary for the couple to save the unity candle and relight it on anniversaries.
The beauty and simplicity of this ritual is a lovely way to signify your bond at your wedding, and to remember your continued burning love in the years ahead.