Unity Candle Gains Popularity As Modern Wedding Symbol

In the solemn yet romantic atmosphere of Western weddings, alongside the heartwarming exchange of rings and heartfelt vows, a ceremony called the "Unity Candle" is quietly gaining popularity as an increasingly chosen symbol of love for modern couples. This candle, representing the union of two individuals and their eternal commitment, witnesses the elevation of love and the merging of two families in its flickering soft glow.

The Unity Candle is not rooted in ancient religious rituals but rather represents a relatively modern wedding tradition. It doesn't originate from biblical texts or apostolic writings but gradually gained popularity in American Protestant weddings during the latter half of the 20th century.

While there are no definitive records of its origin, some suggest that the appearance of a Unity Candle ceremony in the 1981 American television series General Hospital may have contributed to its widespread adoption. The influence of television cannot be underestimated, as it introduced this romantic and symbolic ritual to mainstream audiences, inspiring aspirations for beautiful love and family life.

Dr. Michael Portelli of Australia is also credited with developing the "Marriage Candle" concept. In the 1980s, he incorporated this ritual into his own wedding: the mothers of the bride and groom each lit a candle representing their respective families, after which the couple used these family candles to light a single "wedding candle" symbolizing their union. This ceremony represented two independent individuals from different families becoming one through marriage.

The most direct symbolism of the Unity Candle represents the union of two individuals in marriage. It signifies two independent lives becoming intertwined as they create a new future together. Beyond this primary meaning, it can carry deeper connotations:

• Flame of Love: The candle's flame can be seen as representing the passionate love between the couple, symbolizing their desire for and commitment to each other.
• Spiritual Guidance: For Christians, the Unity Candle's flame may be compared to the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, representing their faith illuminating the couple's souls.
• Family Integration: Through parental participation in lighting the candles, the Unity Candle also symbolizes the merging and blessing of two families.
• Witness to Commitment: The candle's flame serves as a testament to the couple's promises to each other, symbolizing their lifelong partnership.
• Hope for the Future: The candlelight represents hope for what lies ahead, illuminating the couple's path as they build their future together.

The Unity Candle ceremony typically involves three candles: two slender taper candles representing the bride and groom, and one thicker pillar candle representing their union. The ceremony begins with the lighting of the two taper candles, usually by the best man and maid of honor. The couple then each take their lit candle and together light the central pillar candle.

In some variations of the ceremony, both sets of parents participate by first lighting candles representing their respective families. The couple then uses these family candles to light their individual candles before finally lighting the Unity Candle together. This variation emphasizes family integration and blessings.

After the ceremony, there are different approaches to handling the two taper candles representing the couple:

• Extinguishing: If the ceremony's purpose is to symbolize complete union, these candles may be extinguished, representing the end of their independent lives as they become one.
• Keeping Lit: The alternative is to let these candles continue burning alongside the Unity Candle, symbolizing that the couple maintains their individuality while supporting each other.

While the Unity Candle ceremony grows increasingly popular in modern weddings, it remains a relatively new tradition not originally part of church practices. Some churches therefore don't permit its inclusion in wedding ceremonies. Couples wishing to incorporate Unity Candles in church weddings should consult their clergy about specific regulations.

Catholic wedding ceremonies don't traditionally include Unity Candles. Catholic tradition holds that receiving communion represents the core of Christian unity, and the latest Catholic wedding rubrics make no mention of Unity Candles. Consequently, many Catholic dioceses don't allow their inclusion in wedding ceremonies.

While the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops hasn't explicitly banned Unity Candles from wedding ceremonies, neither does it encourage the practice. The conference notes that most diocesan policies don't prohibit the custom but recommend conducting it during the wedding reception instead, as the ceremony itself already contains numerous elements symbolizing unity.

The Unity Candle ceremony isn't traditionally part of Anglican weddings either, with its inclusion left to the officiating clergy's discretion.

Beyond Unity Candles, contemporary weddings offer various other ceremonial options to express couples' commitments:

• Sand Ceremony: The couple pours different colored sands into a single container, symbolizing two lives merging permanently.
• Wine Ceremony: The couple shares a single glass of wine, representing their commitment to experiencing life's joys and challenges together.
• Tree Planting: The couple plants a tree together, symbolizing how their love will grow and flourish.
• Time Capsule: The couple places meaningful items in a capsule to be opened at a future date.
• Handprint Ceremony: The couple imprints their hands on a single canvas, symbolizing their joint creation of a shared future.

When selecting wedding ceremonies, couples should consider several factors:

• Personal beliefs and religious affiliations
• Cultural backgrounds and traditions
• Personal preferences and emotional resonance
• Venue restrictions and regulations
• Budgetary considerations

Ultimately, couples should select ceremonies that genuinely express their feelings, making their wedding a memorable experience.