Unity Candle

Unity Candle

A unity candle is a candle that is used for symbolism, most often during a wedding ceremony. The idea is that the bride and the groom light the candle together, using their own separate candles; the process of unifying their separate flames being symbolic of their two separate lives becoming one. This part of a wedding ceremony is relatively new, and is primarily only an American custom.

Just about any type of candle can be used as a unity candle. However, as a general rule they are usually of the pillar variety and are almost always white. Pillar candles are preferred because they are fairly large, which means they will inevitably have a longer lifespan, allowing them to be relit on each subsequent anniversary, as per the custom. They are also commonly decorated with an inscription, or even a picture of the bride and groom.

The history of the unity candle is a bit vague, at best. Most experts agree that the ceremony surrounding these candles is at least four decades old, although some would argue that it goes back to the early part of the 20th century. And while this ceremony most often occurs during a Christian wedding, there are many churches that do not allow this to be a part of their wedding rites.