Unity Rituals
Making your day unique
A unity ritual is a symbolic ceremony or act, that is performed during a wedding or other significant event to represent the joining together of two individuals or families.
It is a very special way to symbolise the unity, love and commitment between the participants.
Unity rituals can vary in form and cultural significance. They serve to bring people together, and symbolise the merging of lives.
These rituals are a beautiful addition to any wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony.
Below are some examples of various unity rituals that you can add to your special day.
Unity rituals can also be a stand alone service. Please contact me for a price.
Hand Fasting
Tying the knot
Commonly associated with Celtic and Pagan traditions, hand fasting has also been adapted and incorporated into modern weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies. During the ceremony a couple's hand are gently bound together with cords or ribbons. The cords are often woven with specific colours and patterns that hold a personal significance to the couple. Hand fasting is believed to be the origin of the phrase 'tying the knot.
Sand Ceremony
Blending together
Symbolising the joining of two individuals or families, a sand ceremony involves the pouring of different coloured sand into a single jar or vase, creating a layered and blended effect. Each person has their own container of coloured sand, representing their individuality. As the sands are poured together, they cannot be separated, symbolising the inseparable union of the couple or merging families. The jar or vase with the layered sand is then kept as a reminder of their unity and commitment.
Flower Ceremony
Creating something beautiful
A lovely way to involve parents or children in a ceremony. Each person involved has a flower that they have chosen. During the ceremony each flower is placed in a vase, symbolising the coming together of families. The flowers can then be kept in the vase, or tied with ribbon as a bouquet for the bride.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Beautiful and inclusive
Although a relatively new ritual, candle lighting is considered a 'classic'. The ritual involves two taper candles with a large pillar candle between them. The taper candles are lit at the start of the ceremony by representatives of each family. Later in the ceremony, the couple light the pillar candle, each using a taper candle, symbolising their unity. The pillar candle is then kept by the couple and traditionally lit every year on their anniversary.
Please note: Whilst it is simple to carry out and looks lovely, the candle ceremony does come with a couple of caveats. Firstly, it is almost impossible to do outside. Secondly, some venues have fire regulations that prohibit naked flames, so this would need to be checked beforehand.
Jumping the Broomstick
Making a clean sweep!
A long standing custom at African-American weddings, broom jumping can also be traced back to 18th century Wales. Together, the couple jump over a broomstick placed on the ground whilst guests cheer. This symbolises new beginnings and a 'sweeping away' of problems. Brooms are usually ornamental and can be kept as a keepsake of the day. A younger member of the family often acts as a 'broom bearer'.
Glass Breaking Ceremony
An old and traditional Ritual
Although strongly associated with Jewish customs, the origins of the glass breaking ritual are a bit of a mystery. It is considered one of the oldest and most traditional symbols of marriage. A glass is placed in a cloth and groom is invited to stamp on it, whilst the guests shout their congratulations and wishes of good luck. The breaking of the glass symbolises many things including the breaking down of barriers, frightening away evil spirits, and more light heartedly, the last time the groom gets to put his foot down!
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