Unity Ceremonies - The Traditional

Candles and sand and braiding, oh my! Unity ceremonies usually take place within a wedding ceremony, as a physical symbol of the joining of two people. The trend in Unity Ceremonies comes from the tradition of handfasting in Great Britain where couples pledged to each other by joining each other's right hands together and then left hands together, to create an infinity symbol with their arms. Another form of handfasting is a Celtic tradition in which the hands of the couple are literally bound in ribbon or rope while their vows are read as a show of the couple being bound together.  

Cord of three Strands

A common choice for couples of faith is the braided rope. This ceremony shows that marriage involves more than just the nearlyweds, but their deity as well. The practice is taken from a verse in Ecclesiastes that says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." The couple braids the cords together while the member of the clergy performing the ceremony holds the ring in place.

Unity Candle

These traditions are more recently taking the form of unity candles. Each member of the couple has a taper candle, the flame representing themselves and their families, the center pillar candle representing their relationship, future, and family. The couple tilt their lit taper candles to light the pillar candle together.

Photo from Towards The Moon

Sand Ceremony

Another popular unity ceremony would be the sand ceremony. Each member of the couple chooses a color of sand either based on their wedding colors, their favorite colors, home decor etc. and take turns pouring their sand into a larger, often shaped bottle, making a pattern with their sands. Sometimes this ceremony is extended to include an additional color for their religious deity, or their children so they can be included in the blending of the sands.

Log Cutting Ceremony

A german tradition, the log cutting ceremony, is a more unique ceremony. It is one of the few that doesn't include mixing or blending anything to represent their union, but instead, take on a task together in front of all of their friends and families. The couple must work together to use a handsaw to sever a log, maybe wear more comfortable shoes!

El Lazo

El Lazo, or a Lasso Ceremony, is another traditional ceremony. This is practiced in some Spanish and Mexican ceremonies. The officiant drapes a beaded rope, flower garland, or rosary around the couple and twists it into an infinity symbol. The lasso is then removed and given as a token of everlasting love to the couple!

Photo from Divorced From Tradition Founding Member, Magnolia Gruene Photography

There are a ton of non-traditional spins to take on Unity Ceremonies, keep an eye out for our next blog about the trendy unity options available to you!