Marriage is all about togetherness and unity. So what would be a wedding celebration without a ritual that symbolizes exactly that? Unity rituals signify the coming together of two unique individuals and two families into a magical and lasting union. Despite the different pasts, personalities, beliefs, and more, incorporating a ritual in your ceremony shows your commitment to working together in unity to make your marriage work. It is also a great way to add life to your big day and celebrate traditions that have been passed down from generations. If you are looking for a memorable ceremonial ritual that shows unity and love, here is some inspiration for you:
Pouring unity sand
This unity ritual involves the couple pouring sand together into a container. Ideally, each of you will have sand in small containers, which you combine into one large container. To make it unique, you can opt for colored sand in colors that represent your personality. As you pour the sand in togetherness, it marks the coming of two people with different strengths and weaknesses who are committed to remaining together as one. You can take the sand with you as a keepsake to remind you of your commitment to each other.
Exchanging rings
While the exchange of rings is perceived as a common wedding ritual, it carries a deeper meaning in the unity of the couple. For starters, the ring finger is believed to have a vein that runs to the heart. This makes the rings a symbol of the love that you have for your spouse. In addition, the attention and time given in choosing the rings can be a symbol of the time and dedication that you are going to give to your marriage. Including intricate designs also show your personalities and how they blend to make your union work. Make it personal by reciting personalized vows that reflect your hopes in the marriage when exchanging your rings.
Signing a certificate
Signing a certificate during the wedding ceremony stamps your commitment to each other in the presence of your friends and family. If your wedding is a Jewish wedding, consider signing a ketubah for this purpose. This is also a beautiful tradition that allows you to write your vows in a stunning piece of art that you can hold on to for the rest of your lives together. Moreover, this ritual allows you to work together in choosing the design, cementing teamwork from the word go. The good thing is that you can easily find ready-made ketubah in online stores if you want to make your work easier. This also gives you the opportunity to find an affordable ketubah that matches your budget.
Exchanging vows
The exchange of vows has been a common ritual in weddings for centuries, which remains a religious requirement for some religions. Vows carry intent and promise to stay together loving each other even in times of adversity. That explains why traditional wedding vows include the couple vowing to love each other for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and for richer or poorer till death do them part. But rather than repeat the common vows after the celebrant, why not make this ritual unique and meaningful? Craft wedding vows that speak your heart in your promises to love each other and build each other in every season.
Breaking of the glass
This is another timeless tradition in Jewish weddings that you can incorporate to signify love and unity. In Jewish tradition, loud noise is believed to frighten and appease demons that might get attracted to happy people. Breaking the glass at the wedding protects the happy couple from demons and bad omens. Another meaning is attached to the fragility of the glass. Just as the glass is fragile, so are human relationships. When the couple breaks the glass together, it is a prayer or incantation that their marriage never breaks.
Handfasting ceremony
During the ceremony, the celebrant, your family members, or witnesses will bind your hands together with a rope, cord, or ribbon. The meaning of this ritual is binding two lives together for eternity. This can also be a great time to share some promises to each other or even your loved ones to share messages of love and support. To make this ritual truly meaningful, you can craft the rope or design the ribbon together as a DIY activity before the wedding.
Tying the knot
The origin of tying the knot at weddings is well known with, you and your partner literally tying a fisherman’s knot. The interesting thing about this knot is that it never breaks and only gets stronger under pressure. Likewise, you are bound to overcome challenges in the course of your marriage, but when you work together, such challenges will not break you apart. They will only make you stronger together.
Conclusion
Wedding unity rituals are beautiful ways to metaphorically show your commitment to each other. Family and friends also use the opportunity to communicate their support to make your union work. Besides, they are a way to make your wedding memorable and fun for you and your guests. Pick what works for you from the above timeless options.
