What is the Meaning of the Unity Candle?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

The Unity Candle is the most common wedding ceremony tradition and is generally held after the ring exchange vows and before the blessing. The Unity Candle symbolizes family unity and the joining together of the Bride and Groom and their families. In the past this was usually done by the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom lighting their child’s respective candles and then the Bride and Groom together lighting the Unity Candle. Nowadays it is still done that way occasionally, but more often the Bride and Groom light their own candles.

Many different traditions may be used in place of the Unity Candle tradition in the event of your ceremony taking place in a location where candles are impractical, such as an outside wedding or a wedding taking place in a facility that doesn’t allow open flames such as a museum. One alternative tradition is called “The Blending of the Sands” and originated in Hawaii. The Bride and Groom each have their own containers of colored sand and then blend them together in one container during the ceremony signifying their joining together.

Another tradition which can be used instead of candles is called “Handfasting”. “Handfasting” is the binding of the Bride's and Groom's hands with rope, tied with a special knot during the wedding ceremony. Again, a symbol of binding two individuals as a whole.

Still, many other traditions exist such as the “Jumping of the Broom”. This particular tradition is believed to have originated in African tribes. Originally, sticks were placed on the ground, representing the couple's new home. However, it became popular among African-American slaves who could not legally marry, so they created their own rituals to honor their unions. The Bride and Groom are sweeping together in a circle to signify the sweeping away of their former single lives, their past problems, and their previous cares. The broom represents a threshold between past and present, and “jumping the broom” symbolizes the crossing of this threshold into a new relationship as husband and wife. Starting a new life with another person requires a leap of faith, and by taking this leap, the couple shows their dedication to work together through all of life’s circumstances. This tradition can be done either at the ceremony or afterwards at the reception.

At Megasound, we can help you determine which tradition fits you best for your wedding, so give us a call today to set up a visit with us. We would love to hear about your plans and ideas for your wedding so that we can help you build your ceremony and/or reception to be just what YOU want it to be!