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The Candle Ceremony
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The Unity Candle Ceremony is a
lovely tradition which symbolises the joining of the
couple and the two families.
The Unity Candle Ceremony symbolises, two lives
becoming one.
There are a number of variances to the candle
ceremony and it can be customised to your unique
relationship.
Usually, two small candles burn throughout the
ceremony, they symbolise the Bride and Groom. A
third larger candle remains unlit during the
ceremony, symbolising their life as one. Once the
Bride and Groom have exchanged vows and rings, they
move to the burning candles. Each takes a burning
candle and together they light the third candle,
symbolizing their desire to put their relationship
centre and foremost, two becoming one.
The two smaller candles: The mothers of the Bride
and Groom can light these candles, signifying that
they are the persons that gave them light and love.
The Best Man and Maid of Honour can light the small
candles. These two people represent the friends and
family of the bride and groom. The people who have
in one way or another prepared the Bride and Groom
for each other.
It can also mean the uniting of the Bride and Groom,
friends and family, especially when the parents of
the bride and groom are no longer living or are not
able to attend.
Blowing out of smaller candles: The Bride and Groom
can choose to blow out the smaller candles, or leave
them burning, to blow them out signifies two
individuals united as one and promising to place the
needs of the ?one? over individual needs. On the
other hand, to not blow out these candles symbolizes
two people remaining individuals, but committed to
their union as one.
A sample of the vows for a Unity Candle Ceremony:
Bride & Groom before you exchange your rings, I ask
that you perform a ritual which you will forever
hold in your memory. Your marriage to each other
means something very special. You are two loving
people who are now joining as one & whilst each of
your individual lives are important, your joined
lives will fulfill each of your heart's desire.
This is a magical moment which represents the
present & I now ask each of you to light the candles
I hand to you. You will then exchange these candles
signifying to each other that you are placing your
lives in each other's keeping.
Please extinguish these candles which now brings to
an end of your single lives & I request that you
jointly light this new candle, the flame of which
represents the special & mystical moment you become
one. Even though the flame of this candle will be
extinguished shortly, it will continue to burn
brightly in your hearts.
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