Unity rituals of one kind or another are common in weddings. They symbolize the creation of a new family from two people (or more if children are included, whether shared or not). Following are several examples of unity rituals that you might consider including in your wedding ceremony.

Unity Candle

This is the classic ceremony that we’ve all seen before. Generally, either each member of the couple lights their own candle, or sometimes their mothers do so. The couple then use their individual candles to light a larger, central candle, called a unity candle. If this is a meaningful ritual for you, by all means incorporate it into your ceremony. If not, though, you have many, many other options.

Sand Ceremony

In this ritual, the couple pour different colors of sand from their jars into a central jar. Alternatively, couples may use sand collected from meaningful places. If you’re going to go this route, make sure you bake the sand at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes to sanitize it, or you risk bringing creepy crawlies home with you!

Sand ceremonies are also often used when one or both members of the couple has children. Each person in the family being formed can pour from their own jar of sand into a common container, signifying the formation of a new family.

Time Capsule

Some couples decide to save items for their future selves, adding things to a time capsule to be opened later, often on their 10th anniversary. These may include love letters to one another, elements from their wedding, a bottle of wine, and any other items that hold special meaning for them. If you choose to create a time capsule for your wedding and plan to include a bottle of wine, be sure to speak with a sommelier (a wine expert, employed by a wine store or elegant restaurant) first, to guide you to a bottle that will age well.

Jumping the Broom

The origin of jumping the broom lies in our country’s unfortunate history of slavery. Slave owners did not allow enslaved persons to marry. During this period, African-Americans developed the custom of jumping the broom to symbolize marriage. Some still choose to incorporate this custom into their wedding.

Circling and the Breaking of a Glass

In Ashkenazi Jewish wedding ceremonies, the bride circles her husband clockwise seven times under the chuppah to affirm her consent to the marriage. In Judaism, the number seven signifies completeness and perfection. Also, in most Jewish ceremonies, after the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass wrapped in fabric under his foot to remember the destruction of the Jewish temples in history. This custom dates back to the 4th century BC.

Handfasting

In handfasting, an ancient Celtic ritual, several cords are wrapped one by one around the couple’s joined hands to signify the formation of a family unit. Some people confer given values on each cord, asking the couple if they will imbue their marriage with each value as the cord is wrapped. After the wrapping is completed, a knot is tied, and then the cords are removed to continue the wedding ceremony.

Braided Cord

This custom stems from the book of Eccesliastes in the Christan Bible. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states in part that “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken”. The three strands in this cord signify God and the individuals being married. Typically, the couple will braid the cords during the ceremony. 

Glass Pouring

In glass pouring, the couple pours different colors of glass crystals into a common bowl (much like pouring sand in the sand ceremony). The glass crystals are then sent back to the glass artist who provided them, and the artist creates an art piece for the couple to enjoy in their home as a reminder of their commitment to each other. Unity in Glass, the source of both the image below, has provided Buttercup Celebrations blog readers with a promotional code, GLASS1006, for free shipping to and from the company.

All of the unity rituals described above are used to symbolize a new family being formed during the marriage ceremony. Are you considering including a unity ritual in your wedding? Hit reply and let me know which one!