Combining the Jewish tradition of Circling the Groom with the Christian tradition of...

Lighting the Unity Candle

Lighting a Unity Candle has become very popular in Christian and Interfaith weddings. Three candles are placed on or near the altar before hand. Two single taper candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and the groom, or other persons of their choice. Together the participants use these candles to light a center pillar candle called ‘The Unity Candle’. During this ceremony a prayer or poem can be read ether by the officiant or another member of the wedding party. Sometimes the Bride and Groom choose to light the candle themselves, thus signifying the beginning of a new life as one spiritual entity. The Unity Candle also brings together two families and cultures.

Combining Both Traditions:

It is possible to combine these two lovely customs of the Unity Candle Lighting and Circling the Groom into one. Here the two mothers, each holding a candle, would circle the Groom together with the Bride and then together light the Unity Candle.

Circling the Groom:        

According to an old wedding custom which is common to a few cultures, the bride and her parents circle the groom at the beginning of the wedding ceremony.

The number of circles varies from three times in a Greek Orthodox wedding to seven times in the Jewish tradition. The circle is a universal symbol of wholeness and unity.