The candlelight lighting unity is a relatively new addition to the traditional, most popular wedding ceremony in the United States. The unity candlelight ceremony uses two tapered candles with large pillar candles (called "unity candles") in the center. At the beginning of the wedding ceremony, representatives from each family (usually the mothers of the bridegroom and the ladies) lit two tapered candles. Then in the ceremony (usually after the formal oath), the bride uses two tapered candles to light a large pillar (union) of wax together.
Often a candle of unity is decorated with a wedding invitation, an inscription, a picture of a spouse, or other ornaments. Candles are almost always white. Lighting ceremonies can be accompanied by special music, explanations of symbolism, or just periods of mutual gazing by a happy couple. In some quarters, it is a habit for couples to save unity candles and revive on anniversaries.
Video Unity candle
Symbolism
Sometimes it is done to symbolize the joining of two families, and their love for the bridegroom and the groom, into a united family that loves a new husband and wife. More often symbolizes the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment. A popular explanation is that tapered candles are lit by representatives of each family to symbolize the love and loyalty each family has for either the bride or the groom. As the bride and groom use these two fires to light a unity candle, they bring the love of both families together in the united love of the new couple. Generally, the two shrinks are left burned and replaced in their holders (because each family of love for themselves will continue). However, in some ceremonies they can blow their personal candles.
When the ceremony is performed alternately to symbolize merely joining the bridegroom and the groom, the slope can be detonated, to show that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they can leave them burning beside the central candle, symbolizing that the married couple has not lost their individuality.
Maps Unity candle
Used in Church Wedding
The use of unity candles is a very new tradition, although the meanings given to wax can vary.
Although the use of unity candles has been widespread, it is banned in some churches. This is not part of a Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremony, and many parishes do not allow inclusion in ceremonies. While the US Catholic Bishops Conference does not explicitly ban the use of unity candles in the marriage rite, neither does it encourage the practice. The Conference noted that most policies in the diocese did not prohibit this practice but many suggested that it was done at the reception because the Wedding Rite already had an abundant symbol of unity. The bishops' analysis of the unity candle ends by showing that if a unity candle is allowed, the couple must light their individual candles from the Easter candle, individual candles should not be extinguished and unity candles should not be placed on the altar. In Australia, the lighting ceremony of Unity Candle has now become part of the Uniting Church wedding ceremony as an optional addition and is discussed with the parties and ministers before marriage (Uniting church complete marriage service).
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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