Some couples choose to keep their unity candle as a reminder of their commitment to live as a unit. Remember your unity candle ceremony by keeping the candles. Whether you choose one of these symbols, or something else entirely, you can keep the meaning private, explain it in programs, or have your minister explain it to your guests. The taper candles can also be used to symbolize two individuals coming together as one-the taper candles are then left lit to symbolize the individuals, or blown out to symbolize the end of their independent lives as the couple joins together as one. The taper candles are then left burning representing the two original families. This symbolizes the coming together of two families in joint love for the new couple. Most commonly for this tradition, the bride and groom’s mothers light the taper candles and those two flames are used together to light the unity candle. Wedding traditions like the lighting of the unity candle often have a few different symbolic meanings. Whitmore Photography Learn the symbolism of the unity candle ceremony. A unity candle ceremony is when two taper candles are lit at the beginning of the wedding, and then later are brought together to light a larger pedestal candle representing the couple uniting. Other wedding traditions that have gained popularity in recent years are unity ceremonies, such as hand-binding, unity sand, or a lighting of the unity candle. Depending on if your wedding is religious or not, you may choose different prayers or scripture readings, songs, and vows. When the bride and groom light the pillar candle, they declare that Jesus is the center of their marriage, that they are joined together by him, that the sacramental grace that he supplies will sustain them and hold them together, and that they will individually and jointly follow his light.As you are planning out your wedding day there are many different elements that you may choose to incorporate. The lighted pillar candle represents Jesus who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). While each retains their individuality, represented by the taper candles that continue to burn, “they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mk 10:8). The usual understanding is that one taper candle represents the bride, the other represents the groom, and that the pillar candle represents the bride and groom joined together as a married couple. The larger center candle is a symbol that is interpreted in a number of different ways. The taper candles are returned to their holders and usually left burning. Then the bride and groom each take a lit taper candle, and together simultaneously light the pillar candle. The taper candles usually are lit before the liturgy, often by the mothers, but also possibly by relatives or friends, or if no one is designated, by the sacristan, or the taper candles are lit as the first part of the ceremony itself. When the Unity Candle ceremony is celebrated, it comes after the blessing and giving of rings and before the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful. The ceremony is elegant, beautiful, and a memorable moment. It provides the couple an opportunity to act together immediately. It is a relatively new tradition that has much sentimental value. In many dioceses and parishes, the Unity Candle ceremony is permitted. It is not allowed in some dioceses and parishes because it is not included in the ritual, or because those present for the exchange of vows witness the complete Sacrament of Marriage, the sacrament is powerful and stands fully on its own, a symbol is anticlimactic following the real thing, and a symbol does not supplement or augment it. The ceremonial lighting of the Unity Candle is not a part of The Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Catholic Church. The placement may be somewhere in the sanctuary that does not obstruct the view of the altar, pulpit, presider’s chair, or the couple, or may be placed outside but near the sanctuary. The display is never placed on the altar. Ordinarily they are placed on a Unity Candle stand or a table draped with a cloth. The Unity Candle is a three-candle display, all white in color, one larger pillar candle in the center, flanked by two smaller taper candles, one on each side.
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