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The
ceremonial lighting of the candles is found in many cultures, but has
only become more popular in the Western countries for the last quarter
of the century. The lighting of a single candle symbolically joins two
individuals together as one, and the extinguishing of the two separate
tapers represents the bride and the groom’s vow to sublimate
their individual needs to the greater needs of their union – each
other. Sometimes the candle is saved, and re-lit during special
occasions, such as their anniversary.
 The
lighting of the Unity Candle is usually followed by the pronouncement of
the couple as husband and wife.
Before the wedding ceremony, the candles are places in the area where it
will be held. After the exchange of vows and rings, the bride and groom
go towards where the candle is. Each of them take their lighted taper
and simultaneously light the single Unity candle between them. They them
blow out the candles and return them to their holders. Couples
who are bringing children into the marriage sometimes include them with
additional tapers.
The
Unity candle is not associated with any one religion or culture, so many
couples of varied beliefs and backgrounds have used this addition to the
Wedding ceremony.
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