2007-12-07 07:39:34 · 12 answers · asked by Andre 7 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
This is a fairly new ceremony and started in protestant and non-denominational churches. Now more and more couples ask for it so it is SOMETIMES seen in Catholic churches where there is no full Mass said and the Priest is more flexible. The "unity candle ceremony" is not a religious ceremony but a "trend" thing.
2007-12-07 07:53:47 · answer #1 · answered by Wifeforlife 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
For the uninitiated, a "unity candle" is one in which a candle is lit by each set of parents. Then the bride and groom take their respective parents' candle (usually after the vows are exchanged), and, together, they light a single candle to symbolize their families uniting.
For obvious reasons, the three candles may also represent the Holy Trinity, but, since the concept of the "unity candle" predates Christianity, it is, at best, an arguable coincidence.
There may be variations to the aforementioned procedure, and it is used in other non-Roman Catholic weddings, and even among non-religious ceremonies.
2007-12-07 08:45:29 · answer #2 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The unity candle isn't allowed in Catholic wedding ceremonies where I live, although the couple is free to have that at the reception.
2007-12-08 02:19:47 · answer #3 · answered by sparki777 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've actually never seen a unity candle in a Catholic wedding, so I dont think it is.
2007-12-07 09:01:57 · answer #4 · answered by kateqd30 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anyone can do a unity candle ceremony. A common twist that I know I have seen a lot of is a sand ceremony its just a visible showing of the two of them becoming one!
2016-05-22 01:13:22 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Most priests adhere strictly to their church's rites. And even some Christian ministers will not allow it as they feel it subtracts from the rite of the wedding ring exchange.
There are all kinds of unity ceremonies; some from different cultures/religions, that are being adopted or tailored to a couple's specific needs or wants, whether they are Christian or not, like; broom jumping (African-American/Celtic ) Glass breaking (Jewish) Handfasting (Pagan).
If this is what you want in your wedding ceremony find a minister/officiant that will permit it.
2007-12-07 09:09:12 · answer #6 · answered by weddrev 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it isn't, but it seems to be a popular thing done now that most churches will indulge the couple in by allowing them this addition to the traditional ceremony.
2007-12-07 08:13:54 · answer #7 · answered by melouofs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Definitely not. It is not a "religious thing" at all! In fact, most priests/ministers would like to do away with it all together! Instead, as most things "wedding" it was created by the bridal industry.
2007-12-07 10:08:41 · answer #8 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, in fact it's the opposite. Many conservative Catholic churches, including the one I was married in, discourage using it. It is not a Catholic tradition.
2007-12-07 11:28:17 · answer #9 · answered by Luv2Answer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think so- I've been to evangelical Christian weddings in which they did the same thing.
2007-12-07 07:46:45 · answer #10 · answered by xfilesfan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋