Unity Sand Ceremony - A Hot, New Wedding Trend
If you've attended many weddings lately, or read trendy
magazines or newspapers, you've undoubtedly noticed that the
ceremonies are no longer just your Grandmother's and
Grandfather's typical church wedding.
The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to
three minutes in length, is a meaningful joining of two lives.
In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously
pours various colors of sand from a container, such as a
seashell, into one special container symbolizing their coming
together as one.
This unique celebration was recently brought into the public eye
with the marriage of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter of the TV
series, "The Bachelorette." Rather than the time-honored ritual
of the Unity Candle Ceremony, the famous couple chose the
alternative, Unity Sand Ceremony. Their decision has sparked a
craze in weddings across the country.
The ceremony has controversial origins, some believing that it
began with the Native Americans and some insisting the Hawaiians
were the ancestors of the legend. Whatever its origin, the Unity
Sand Ceremony is fast becoming a nationwide wedding ceremony
trend.
The flowing sand and blending of the colors symbolize the
bringing together of two lives into one. Some couples prefer to
leave a small amount of sand in their respective container to
show that even though they now function as one, they remain
individuals.
A staple in marriages everywhere, The Unity Candle Ceremony has
long been a tradition for marriages both elaborate and simple.
Usually, there is a single candle that both bride and groom
light from a flame of their own single candle. Parents or other
members of the wedding party often join in the candle lighting
ceremony.
The Unity Sand Ceremony can also be altered in many ways to
include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, various
colors of sand are given to wedding members who will add their
sand to the couple's sand, all flowing into the container,
creating a colorful and one-of-a kind symbol of unity.
In an age where couples are planning weddings that are unique to
their beliefs and lifestyle, the sand ceremony can be
personalized many different ways to fit the occasion. After the
ceremony, the couple has a unique keepsake to remember their
wedding day. Hawaii has been a popular destination for
weddings since airplanes became the preferred mode of travel.
Its mild weather and sandy beaches create a perfect environment
for the entire wedding party to be barefoot on the beach while
witnessing the Unity Sand Ceremony - a tradition as old and
exceptional as the islands themselves.
Not going to have a wedding on a beach? Don't worry. Sand is
available online, or the couple can use sand from a destination
they've visited or that has a special meaning in their lives.
Distinctive containers designed to fit any religion or lifestyle
can also be purchased online.
Many couples write their own vows for the ceremony, but passages
from ancient Hawaiian or Native American weddings can easily be
found on the Internet for the portion of your wedding relating
to the Unity Sand Ceremony.
Whatever your dream wedding entails, consider incorporating the
Unity Sand Ceremony into the celebration. You'll be sure to
create memories that your guests will talk about for a long time
to come.