As Mac and I are planning our own ceremony for the summer of 2021, there were some traditions we were thinking of including in our ceremony. Prior to COVID, we were hoping to head to Scotland to get married there! There’s this wonderful tradition of the quaich. This is a unity ceremony that uses a shallow two-handed cup with handles. In fact, it’s been used for eons [okay really untold generations] as a way to welcome guests, celebrate with friends and to bid farewell at the end of a long and boozy gathering! It’s filled with single malt scotch whisky. The welcomer takes the first drink to show the drink isn’t poisoned (in old days), and then its passed around by using both hands (to prove you’re not holding a sword!). I LOVE this symbol of unity and trust.
Unfortunately we’re not going to Scotland any time soon because of the pandemic. Considering this, we’ve been thinking of other unity symbols we can include in our wedding next year. Unity ceremonies are a beautiful way to slow down, and reflect on the promises the married couple is making to one another. Here are some that you may want to include in your wedding!
As an aside, please make sure to follow current pandemic guidelines should you be looking for ideas during this COVID period.
1. Unity Candle
The lighting of a candle is a traditional ceremony that’s been one of the most classic inclusions in a wedding to demonstrate unity. Three candles are placed on the table, with the middle candle being the unity candle. Next, traditionally a family member lights the two taper candles (potentially the mothers of the wedding couple). Afterwards, the couple takes one of the taper candles each and uses it to light the middle candle one at a time. The candles stay lit the rest of the ceremony.
2. Sand Ceremony
The most common way to include the unity sand ceremony is to pour the sand from two glass jars into the main glass jar. You can change it up in some creative ways, like choosing multiple colours of sand for the couple (or any other family members you want to include) or pouring the sand into a shadow box frame and layering the coloured sand to create a beautiful picture. You can even get a special set that looks like an hourglass!
3. Unity Handfasting
I love this symbolic ceremony of handfasting! This Celtic unity ceremony also originally comes from Scotland and Ireland and can be done either before the main ceremony, during, or after. It was an intimate way for a man and woman of days of old to demonstrate their marriage to one another, despite not being able afford the big lavish wedding. Nowadays, instead of a small piece of cloth, a cord is wrapped around the couple’s hands by the officiant in a loose knot and is often done as the vows are made or just after. Handfasting is a very beautiful, meaningful and spiritual ceremony.
4. Tying the Knot
“Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiates 4:12 (NIV)
Rooted in Christian theology, the cord of three strands is a lovely symbolism of the unity of man, woman, and God. However, it doesn’t have to be used just for religious ceremonies! For example, think of it as the joining of the couple with the community or others that are support pillars in your relationship. During the ceremony, the rope is braided and a knot is tied at the end.
5. Warming of the Rings
With micro weddings on the horizon, this sweet unity ceremony is a beautiful way to include all your guests in this positive tradition. Rings can be tied together or placed in a small box. The officiant will ask the guests, one at a time, to hold the rings in their hands and put their happy thoughts and wishes for the couple into the rings. Once the rings are passed to each guest, the rings are brought back to the officiant. The couple can then place the rings on each other’s fingers. Similarly to the other ceremonies listed above, this rings unity ceremony is such a lovely symbol of inclusion and joy!
Other wedding ideas you might find interesting:
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