Symbolism
Handfasting
In time gone by it was common for a couple to simply bind a piece
of fabric around their hands to show they were ‘bound together
in life”. This ancient tradition is showing a revival as many
couples now have a Handfasting as part of the ceremony.
Usually after the rings are exchanged the couple hold left hands
and the celebrant lightly ties a ribbon with three knots. Each
knot is accompanied by a blessing for the couple. They then loosen
their hands and the wedding ribbon is placed in a keepsake bag.
To untie the knots would indicate the undoing of the marriage.
Lighting a Unity Candle
Imaging as the ceremony begins both mothers walk forward as representatives
of their respective families as soft music plays in the background.
They each light a single candle, then return to their places.
After exchanging your wedding vows, you each pick up the candle
your mother lit. Then together both flames unite to create one
flame, a light to guide you, a flame to warm you, a love light
to unite you. The wedding bands are brought forward and they are
exchanged.
The Four Elements
If you have an affinity with Mother Earth and would like to acknowledge
it then consider opening your wedding with each of the elements.
- Water:
Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it
will this marriage.
- Air:
Air breaths new life into love.
Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
- Earth:
The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our
future.
- Fire:
From fire comes love and warmth.
Roses and other Flowers
If you love roses, which are the flower of love, then include
them. Perhaps create a sacred space with a circle of rose petals
scattered on the ground to stand within as you hold hands and
pledge your vows.
Warming of the Rings
Around the world the wedding rings are the strongest and most
visible sign of the bond these two people are about to make. A
commitment to life, to each other and to the future.
With a ring warming in your ceremony the rings will not only be
a gift from one to another but will be given with the love, support
and wisdom of all present.
The rings are passed amongst all the guests and they hold the
rings thus giving their personal blessing upon the rings before
the bride & groom exchange the rings.
At the time the rings are exchanged it might be with words like:
"These rings, now warmed by those you love the most will forever
show the world your are one and they will carry with them the
eternal love and blessing of your families."
Presentation of the Bride or Giving Away Ceremony
Traditionally the bride is given away by her father. For the modern
couple the wedding is a time to also acknowledge their bond with
all their parents.
The groom can be walked in by his parents and then the bride by
her parents as a variation.
Couples who have been living together for many years could consider
coming together to the wedding together. All the guests are then
asked if they support the wedding by responding with as much noise
as possible. This can be a great positive experience especially
if the guests know beforehand and bring bells and hooters.
The Rose Ceremony
In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a Rose.
In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always meant,
"I love you". The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and
most honourable title of "Husband and Wife".
Two roses are all that is necessary (although you can select another
flower that has special meaning for you). The roses not only symbolise
love but as their value lies in their meaning they become a very
potent symbolic statement of love.
Jumping the Broom
What better way to start married life than with a clean sweep?
The past is swept away and holding hands as newly weds you both
jump the broom into a new life together as one.
The broom was associated with the ceremony of marriage in the
British Isles (especially the Hebrides of Scotland) for many generations
(perhaps for 100's of years). Among Gypsies on the main continent
of Europe to include jumping over a broomstick was an essential
part of the ceremony, and the African slaves in America also used
Broom Jumping as part of the wedding ritual.
Using Colours in Your Wedding
Using colours in your ceremony can have a special significance.
Each colour has a special meaning and they can be represented
in the form of ribbons tied to trees as decoration, on the handle
of the Jumping Broom, used during the Handfasting Ceremony, the
colour of candles or your flowers.
- Dark Blue - for a safe journey and longevity
- Light Blue - for understanding and patience
- Pink - for romance, honour, partnership and happiness
- Green - for health, prosperity, luck, fertility and beauty
- Red - for courage, strength and passion
- Yellow - for wisdom and harmony
- Brown - for healing animals and the home
- Silver - for creativity and protection
- Gold - for unity, prosperity, and longevity
- White - for peace, sincerity and devotion
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