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[U55]Unity Candle For Wedding

by Rafi Michael, Raf

The lighting of the unity candle on wedding ceremony is one of the most important traditions of most Christian weddings. In Toronto, there are elaborate plans that are formulated and exercised, as the bride and groom plan for their big day. The significance of this simple procedure is so huge that all parties go out of their way to make it a highlight of the whole occasion. Important issues surrounding this candle lighting session revolve when it is done how it is done and the preparations made for it as the nuptial day beckons.

Preparations for the Lighting of the Unity Candle on Wedding Ceremony

Lighting of the unity candle on wedding ceremony as part of tradition, a good number of nuptials in Toronto regardless of the religious affiliation are planned several months or even years before they take place. Since all aspects are carefully considered, the candle lighting bit is hardly ignored due to its symbolic value. Preparations for this event include the choice of the nature, size and color of the windows. Although white is usually preferred for its association with purity and peace, the bride and groom are normally at liberty to choose a color that fits in with the day's and ceremony's theme. Another crucial bit is the kind of candle stand to be used in the process. The design and color of such a stand should also be carefully chosen to complement other aspects of the marriage ceremony. Finally the position of the stand holding the candle should be done in a manner that lends the procedure the kind of prominence that it deserves.

When to Light the Unity Candle

The perfect timing of lighting the unity candle on wedding ceremony is usually uniform in Toronto. Most ministers officiating at the function will insist on having this exercise just after the bride and the groom have exchanged their vows. It is felt that during this period is when the unity is likely to have the most impact. As this is a universal wedding practice not just in Toronto but in many Christian marriage ceremonies across the world, following of the preferred procedure is normally vital with the timing expected to be followed as well.

The Procedure of Lighting of the Unity Candle on Wedding Ceremony

In Toronto weddings, the minister will ask both the bride and groom, to move next to the candle stand. If the couple's desire is to have a unity candle talk before the lighting then he or she will give a brief explanation on the origin and significance of the lighting of the unity candle on wedding ceremony the this is usually given before the actual lighting. The celebrant is expected to explain that the two small candles symbolize the individual lives of the groom and the bride. The big candle on the other hand represents the married life that the couple will be starting as they take their vows. By putting off their two candles the tow are saying goodbye to their separate lives and by lighting the big candle are embarking on a common journey.

Looking for traditional, yet unique ideas for your wedding? Read more about the unity candle and rose ceremonies.

A unity candle is, on the outset, just a candle. However, a unity candle, when used as the centerpiece of a wedding ceremony symbolizes the power and light that two unique individuals create via mutual commitments and goals. The unity candle ceremony was thought to have become popular in the early 1990s1 but is not--as some couples would assume--a strict, liturgical process. In fact, the unity candle ceremony could be described as one with ‘compromise potential,’ which is attractive to young couples who want to communicate traditional values and at the same time create a ceremony that is unique to their own reciprocal feelings and commitments.

The Unity Candle Ceremony: What, Who, When and How?
A unity candle is a large candle which can be shaded in various colors and molded into a variety of shapes. However, the unity candle is usually molded in a traditional cylindrical shape and is often colored in any of many shades of white. The unity candle is accompanied by two thin taper candles, which when lit, symbolize the life, light and power of the bride and the groom. The symbolism of the taper candles can also be extended to represent the bride, the groom and their respective ancestors---especially the bride and groom’s parents. For instance, many couples find the unity candle ceremony particularly touching when the bride’s parents light one of the taper candles, followed by the groom’s parents who do the same for their son. An additional rose ceremony can also be included at this point. The rose ceremony occurs when the bride and groom present their respective mothers with a rose, after their mothers have lit their individual taper candles. If children from past marriages are also in attendance at the wedding ceremony, it may be considered appropriate for them to participate in the lighting of the taper candles.

Once the taper candles are lit, which may occur before or after the actual marriage
ceremony, the minister or wedding spokesperson will generally explain the significance of the taper candles, the unity candle and may perhaps speak in regards to the specific
commitments or vows which the bride and groom have chosen to make. The bride and groom will then use the taper candles to simultaneously light the unity candle. This part of the ceremony may be accompanied by music, poetry, vow recordings or silence depending on the personal preferences of the bride and groom. As mentioned before, the unity candle ceremony is not a strict one and can always be molded to meet the desires of the bride and groom.

Where do couples generally celebrate their wedding with a unity candle?
A unity candle ceremony can take place almost anywhere, although some Jewish and Catholic rabbis and priests often prefer that the couple in question make non-liturgical practices such as the unity candle ceremony a part of more informal receptions or dinners, and keep traditional marriage ceremonies, which have been established by religious forbears, unchanged.

A couple may choose for instance a more formal, traditional ceremony and at a later
reception may also choose to place their unity candle next to their wedding guest book--near the entrance where the wedding guests arrive--surrounded by attractive wedding balloons, flowers, etc. At the end of the reception the unity candle ceremony can take place and as guests leave the reception they will have a visual reminder of the commitments and vows which the bride and groom made to each other.

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Article Source : Unhappy Marriage

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Both Rafi Michael & Marci Crane are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Rafi Michael has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wedding Bells, Holidays and Careers and Job Hunting. Get the best detailed information about Wedding Ceremony, ,. Rafi Michael's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.

Marci Crane has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dating and Romance, Video and Computers and The Internet. About the Author: Marci Crane is a web content specialist for 10x Marketing in Orem, Utah. For more information in regards to finding the right. Marci Crane's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.