Unity Candles for your Sacred Union
Visualize weddings as like a jigsaw puzzle of traditions. Everyone has their own customs they bring from their family and culture. When a man and woman decide to marry, they each bring a piece of the puzzle to create a unique tradition of their own. The lighting of unity candles is one of these traditions that have become more popular within the past ten to twenty years.
When referring to unity candles, there are actually three. Two thin tapered candles stand for two individuals who will unite in marriage. There is also a large pillar candle that will be lit which signifies the joining of the two individuals. Depending on the location and preference, sometimes you will have a special candle dish or holder which will house all three unity candles. Other times you will have the large candle in the middle and the other two flanking it. Individual candle holders may be used for the unity candles as well.
The lighting of the unity candles has no religious connotations, but is representative of what a marriage is all about. There are no written rules on how the lighting of the unity candles should be performed. Therefore, you can create your own traditions and tailor this ritual to suit your wedding ceremony.
Typically, though, the unity candles are lit right after the wedding rings are exchanged but before the bride and groom are announced as husband and wife. There are also variations on who originally lights the individual unity candles. Sometimes, the individual tapered unity candles are lit before the ceremony starts and stay lit throughout the entire process. Other times, the parents of the bride and groom step forward after the ring presentation to light the candles.
The practice of the lighting of the unity candles also may have the bride and groom each lighting their own during the ritual. Then they come together and light the larger one in a symbol of unity, of two becoming one. Some debate exists about whether or not to blow out the individual tapered unity candles or leave them lit. One argument for blowing out the individual candles is that it symbolizes your forsaking the single life and committing to one another in marriage. On the flip side, leaving them lit means that while you are committed to one another in marriage, you are not forsaking your own individualism either.
Now that you have an idea about the ritual of lighting the unity candles, did you realize that are so many to choose from too? The unity candles are made in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Some are simple and unadorned. Others are elaborate and showy, decorated in a style suited to match your wedding décor.
These unity candles are customizable too. You can make them personal by having your wedding date printed on it along with your names. A special quote or short poem might be appropriate to convey your sentiments about marriage.
Marriage is the biggest commitment a person makes. Lighting of the unity candles as part of your wedding ceremony makes a big impact. Not only are you reciting vows before your loved ones, but you are also symbolizing your union in a very visual way.
So what do you do with the unity candles once the ceremony is over? Keep them to light for special occasions like your anniversary or the birth of a new child. You will be able to enjoy your unity candles for years to come.
Dave Poon
View all articles by Dave Poon
|
|
11 CARAT WOMENS DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT WEDDING RING BRILLIANT ROUND CUT WHITE GOLD $1,500,000.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Wedding Set Ring 5.00 Ct Radiant Cut 18K Gold F-G Limitless! $447,243.65 |
|
|
7.38 Ct. Round Cut Bridal Set Engagement Ring Platinum $242,025.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 5.51 carat Round in Platinum Certified! $188,359.15 |
|
|
4.08 Ct. D, VS1 Round Cut Diamond EGL Bridal Ring Set $178,925.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 5.22 Ct Round Shape 18K White Gold GIA Certified $162,199.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring 5.90 Ct Round Cut Platinum!Discounted! Certified! $126,539.80 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring with 6.16 CARAT Round Cut H/SI1 Platinum $126,350.99 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring with 6.15 CARAT Round Cut H/SI1 Platinum $126,350.99 |
|
|
9.53 FANCY YELLOW RADIANT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT WEDDING RING GIA CERTIFIED PLATINUM $119,980.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 5.29 Ct Round Cut in Platinum GIA Certified $115,499.00 |
|
|
Ladies Women Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Round Cut F Color Wedding Ring 9.50ct $108,600.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Ring 3.56 ct Round Cut in Platinum Set $105,739.15 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 2.47 Ct Round Cut in Platinum GIA Certified! $98,099.00 |
|
|
3.43 carat G-VVS1 Round Cut Diamond Bridal Ring 18K $95,114.15 |
|
|
TACORI 3.70ct Near Flawless VVS1 F PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BAND SET $87,500.00 |
|
|
5.12 ct Round Cut Diamond Bridal Set in 14K W/G Ring $85,934.15 |
|
|
PLATINUM DIAMOND ETERNITY WEDDING BAND RING $84,425.25 |
|
|
PLATINUM DIAMOND ETERNITY WEDDING BAND RING $77,826.00 |
|
|
6.79 Ct. Asscher Cut w/ Princess Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set G,VS2 EGL Platinum $77,920.00 |
|
|
6.79 Ct. Asscher Cut & Princess Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set G,VS2 EGL Platinum $77,920.00 |
|
|
6.79 Ct. Asscher Cut w/ Princess Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set G,VS2 EGL Platinum $77,920.00 |
|
|
6.19 Ct. Asscher Cut w/ Round Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set EGL G,VS2 Platinum $77,305.00 |
|
|
6.33 Ct. Round Cut Diamond Bridal Eternity Ring GIA $69,054.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 3.26 carat G-VS1 Round Shape in Platinum GIA Certified $68,799.00 |
|
|
Ladies Women Diamond Wedding Ring Round Cut H Color 14k White Gold 5.70ct $68,500.00 |
|
|
PLATINUM DIAMOND ETERNITY WEDDING BAND RING $67,810.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 2.73 ct VVS1 Round Shape 14K Gold Certified! $67,234.15 |
|
|
4.24 ct Round Shape Diamond Bridal Set in 18K W/G Ring $67,064.15 |
|
|
4.01 ct SI1 Round Diamond Bridal Set Ring Certified $61,709.15 |
|
|
5.31 Ct Asscher Cut Wedding Band Platinum Set Engagement Ring Pave 18K EGL VS1-H $60,455.00 |
|
|
4.97 Ct Asscher Cut Engagement Ring Wedding Band French Pave Platinum EGL VS1-H $60,087.50 |
|
|
4.91 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Halo Pave Channel EGL H-VS1 $60,035.00 |
|
|
5.78 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VS2-I $60,005.00 |
|
|
4.71 Ct. 4-pronged Asscher Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS1-H $59,825.00 |
|
|
5.83 Ct 4-pronged Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS2-I $59,795.00 |
|
|
5.53Ct Immense 4-Claw Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave EGL VS1-G $59,480.00 |
|
|
5.31 Ct Asscher Cut Wedding Band Platinum Set Engagement Ring Pave 18K EGL VS1-H $59,425.00 |
|
|
5.31 Ct Asscher Cut Wedding Band Platinum Set Engagement Ring Pave 18K EGL VS1-H $59,425.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Set Ring 4.52 Ct Round Shape 14K White Gold GIA! $59,399.99 |
|
|
5.31 Ct Asscher Cut Wedding Band Platinum Set Engagement Ring Pave 18K EGL VS1-H $59,160.00 |
|
|
5.31 Ct Asscher Cut Wedding Band Platinum Set Engagement Ring Pave 18K EGL VS1-H $59,160.00 |
|
|
4.97 Ct Asscher Cut Engagement Ring Wedding Band French Pave Platinum EGL VS1-H $59,057.50 |
|
|
4.97 Ct Asscher Cut Engagement Ring Wedding Band French Pave Platinum EGL VS1-H $59,057.50 |
|
|
4.91 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Halo Pave Channel EGL H-VS1 $59,005.00 |
|
|
4.91 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Halo Pave Channel EGL H-VS1 $59,005.00 |
|
|
5.78 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VS2-I $58,975.00 |
|
|
5.78 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VS2-I $58,975.00 |
|
|
4.71 Ct. 4-pronged Asscher Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS1-H $58,795.00 |
|
|
4.71 Ct. 4-pronged Asscher Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS1-H $58,795.00 |
|
|
4.97 Ct Asscher Cut Engagement Ring Wedding Band French Pave Platinum EGL VS1-H $58,792.50 |
|
|
4.97 Ct Asscher Cut Engagement Ring Wedding Band French Pave Platinum EGL VS1-H $58,792.50 |
|
|
5.83 Ct 4-pronged Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS2-I $58,765.00 |
|
|
5.83 Ct 4-pronged Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS2-I $58,765.00 |
|
|
4.91 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Halo Pave Channel EGL H-VS1 $58,740.00 |
|
|
4.91 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Halo Pave Channel EGL H-VS1 $58,740.00 |
|
|
5.78 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VS2-I $58,710.00 |
|
|
5.78 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VS2-I $58,710.00 |
|
|
4.71 Ct. 4-pronged Asscher Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS1-H $58,530.00 |
|
|
4.71 Ct. 4-pronged Asscher Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS1-H $58,530.00 |
|
|
5.83 Ct 4-pronged Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS2-I $58,500.00 |
|
|
5.83 Ct 4-pronged Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Micro-Pave EGL VS2-I $58,500.00 |
|
|
5.53Ct Immense 4-Claw Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave EGL VS1-G $58,450.00 |
|
|
5.53Ct Immense 4-Claw Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave EGL VS1-G $58,450.00 |
|
|
5.53Ct Immense 4-Claw Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave EGL VS1-G $58,185.00 |
|
|
5.53Ct Immense 4-Claw Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave EGL VS1-G $58,185.00 |
|
|
12.01 ct Platinum Emerald Diamonds Wedding Band Ring #Q $56,901.00 |
|
|
Huge 6.01 Ct. H,SI2 Round Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set $54,995.00 |
|
|
5.79 Ct. Asscher Cut & Princess Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Platinum Set H,VS1 EGL $54,290.00 |
|
|
3.52 ct H-VS1 Round Shape Diamond Bridal Set Ring 18K $54,144.15 |
|
|
5.19 Ct. Asscher Cut w/ Round Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set EGL H,VS1 Platinum $53,675.00 |
|
|
4.71ct Asscher Diamond Ring Bridal Set 14KWG EGL H/VS1 $53,240.00 |
|
|
4.00Carat D-E Color Asscher Diamond Bridal Ring Set GIA $53,000.00 |
|
|
4.00Carat D-E Color Asscher Diamond Bridal Ring Set GIA $53,000.00 |
|
|
4.81ct. Asscher Cut H/VS1 Diamond Wedding Ring EGL USA Beautiful Ring $52,495.00 |
|
|
ESTATE 9.35CT EMERALD DIAMOND PLATINUM ETERNITY WEDDING RING F/G VVS 5.5MM 20731 $52,000.00 |
|
|
4.40Ct Cushion Cut Engagement Diamond Wedding 3-Stone Ring Gold 14K EGL VVS1-H $51,666.00 |
|
|
4.02 ct Round Cut Diamond Bridal Set Ring Certified! $51,424.15 |
|
|
4.58 Ct. Cushion Cut w/ Round Cut Diamond Bridal Ring Set GIA I,VVS1 Platinum $50,975.00 |
|
|
Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring 4.12 Ct Fancy Canary Round Cut Platinum GIA $50,739.66 |
|
|
4.40Ct Cushion Cut Engagement Diamond Wedding 3-Stone Ring Gold 14K EGL VVS1-H $50,636.00 |
|
|
4.40Ct Cushion Cut Engagement Diamond Wedding 3-Stone Ring Gold 14K EGL VVS1-H $50,636.00 |
|
|
PLATINUM DIAMOND ETERNITY WEDDING BAND RING $49,995.75 |
|
|
4.40Ct Cushion Cut Engagement Diamond Wedding 3-Stone Ring Gold 14K EGL VVS1-H $50,371.00 |
|
|
4.40Ct Cushion Cut Engagement Diamond Wedding 3-Stone Ring Gold 14K EGL VVS1-H $50,371.00 |
|
|
4.35 Ct Cushion Cut Platinum Engagement Ring Anniversary Wedding Set EGL VVS1-H $50,087.50 |
|
|
4.05 Ct Immense Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Gold Ring Pave GIA VVS1-I $50,035.00 |
|
|
4.05 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VVSI-H $50,035.00 |
|
|
4.20Ct Engagement Ring Pave Cushion Cut Halo Platinum Bridal Band Set GIA VVS1-I $49,930.00 |
|
|
4.10 Ct Romantic Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave Shank GIA VVS1-I $49,825.00 |
|
|
3.80 Ct Cushion Cut Micro-Pave Bridal Set Engagement Anniversary Ring GIA VVS1-I $49,510.00 |
|
|
4.35 Ct Cushion Cut Platinum Engagement Ring Anniversary Wedding Set EGL VVS1-H $49,057.50 |
|
|
4.35 Ct Cushion Cut Platinum Engagement Ring Anniversary Wedding Set EGL VVS1-H $49,057.50 |
|
|
4.05 Ct Immense Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Gold Ring Pave GIA VVS1-I $49,005.00 |
|
|
4.05 Ct Immense Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Gold Ring Pave GIA VVS1-I $49,005.00 |
|
|
4.05 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VVSI-H $49,005.00 |
|
|
4.05 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in Pave Design EGL VVSI-H $49,005.00 |
|
|
4.20Ct Engagement Ring Pave Cushion Cut Halo Platinum Bridal Band Set GIA VVS1-I $48,900.00 |
|
|
4.20Ct Engagement Ring Pave Cushion Cut Halo Platinum Bridal Band Set GIA VVS1-I $48,900.00 |
|
|
4.10 Ct Romantic Cushion Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Pave Shank GIA VVS1-I $48,795.00 |
