| Interfaith Unity Candle |
| Interfaith Unity Candle Reading "From every human being, there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined to find each other, their two streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being. They do not lose their individuality; yet, in marriage, they are united in so close a bond that they become one. Now, following the profession of their marriage vows, they will light the large center candle from the smaller candles to symbolize this new reality. In this way, they are saying that henceforth their light must shine together for each other, for their families, and for their community." "For unity candles specifically, one would need to search long and hard to find an institution that has utilized the burning flame of a candle more reverently than the church. It is used in many ways to represent life - the life God gives us, the influence of a life lingering on earth beyond their death, the passing of life from one person to another. Over and over again the church uses the candle flame as an emblem of life. The unity candle perfectly symbolizes the beginning of the "one" life by two individuals being joined together by God in marriage. I would suggest that it is not only appropriate for the unity candle to be used in a church ceremony, but that it in fact is MOST appropriate there." "For a long time, humanity has used candles as visual reminders of non-physical values such as a marriage relationship. Using the flames from two burning candles to light a new, single candle is a gentle and simple reminder to all present that a new, very important relationship has been created. The two candles that served as the source of the flame remain burning after the marriage candle is lighted. The candles representing the individuals are never extinguished, for they symbolize the two who have now become one in marriage." |
| Hudson Valley Ceremonies |