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Symbolizations (Adobe PDF)
Double Ring Exchange
The exchange of
rings has been a time-honored tradition for centuries. A double
ring exchange puts a modern twist on that old tradition. Both
Bride and Groom exchange rings at the same time with a special,
additional vow to each other.
The practice of
having couples "jump the broom and sword" during wedding ceremonies are
both an African American as well as a neo-pagan custom. The couple jumps
over a sword and broom while holding hands. The sword is symbolic of
cutting ties with the old life before they were together and the broom
represents the old remnants being swept away. The leap that the couple
takes over the broom and sword is also symbolic. Starting a new life
with another person does require a "leap of faith". But by taking the
leap, the individuals make a gesture of dedication to working together
through the tough times ahead and the willingness to care for and defend
one another.
The Rose
Ceremony is placed at the end of the wedding ceremony just after being
pronounced husband and wife. In the past, the rose was considered a
symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing - it meant
the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that the first gift - as
husband and wife - would be a single rose. (Every flower has it's own
meaning, you may substitute any flower you like.)
Like the unity candle, the sand is used in uniting of the bride and
groom. As the two vials of sand are poured into one, they flow together
symbolizing the joining of the couple as they share their first
experience of unity as husband and wife. The newly formed union is
represented by the intertwined pattern of sand created by the couple.
Seedling
Ceremony
The Green
Ceremony is a combination of seedlings planted into a symbolic planter
by the bride and groom. Once the seedlings are covered by dirt,
together, the bride and groom pour water over the seedlings to nourish
them. After the ceremony, the newly formed plant is brought to the
bride and groom's home to be planted in a special spot selected
together.
The unity
candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. The single
candles represent the two families alone, one for the bride’s family and
one for the groom’s family. The taper candles are ignited and then
together, the two single candles light the center candle, representing
the coming together of the two families and their visible commitment to
each other.
A wreath is a traditional symbol of matrimony and friendship and also
represents the Circle of Life. Wreaths given as gifts represent love,
happiness, friendship and gratitude. The wreath is made by members of
the community, as a gift and a blessing. Friends and family members have
the opportunity to add sprigs of chosen plants, herbs, flowers, & tokens with
traditional meanings related to marriage. The wreath decorates the
Bride/Grooms home, as love decorates their lives. The wreath will let
them remember the love shared by all of us there on that day.
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