If you decided to get married in a symbolic rite, you were probably also driven by the desire to have a personalized wedding. Indeed, the symbolic rite allows you to exchange your vows in the location of your dreams, to choose the music of your choice, and above all to include rituals that will make your ceremony truly unique.
The symbolic rite allows great freedom of choice-the limit is only your imagination.
So let's look at some truly engaging ritual proposals for your wedding.
Union of hands or handfasting
This symbolic rite, of Neopagan origin, symbolizes the union of the bride and groom and consists of intertwining their hands with one or more ribbons. The meaning of handfasting is precisely to bind together the families, the bodies of the bride and groom, and also their souls, in life and in the afterlife. The rite of handfasting can be performed by the celebrant, the bride and groom themselves or the witnesses.
Red thread ritual of fate
The red thread ritual represents a variation to that of handfasting. According to a Chinese folk legend, later also acquired in Japan, every person has, from birth, a red thread tied to his or her little finger that connects them to their soul mate. This thread is very long and can have knots and tangles, but it is also indestructible and shortens as we grow until it leads us to our soulmate.
During the wedding it is possible to organize this ritual by also involving relatives who will help tie the thread to the bride and groom's little finger and hold it up. When the ritual is over, the thread can be cut and given to guests who can wear it as a bracelet, as a reminder of your marriage and the bond between you.
Rite of light or candles
During this romantic ceremony the bride and groom light a large candle together by means of two smaller ones. The ritual represents the union of the couple, but also the beginning of a new life path to take together. After the ritual is over, you may decide to keep only the large candle lit, or even the smaller ones to remind you of the importance of the person's individuality. The large candle may be kept and re-lit at each anniversary as a symbol of the renewal of one's vows.
Rite of Sand
As with that of light, the meaning of the symbolic sand ritual is to unite the lives of the bride and groom. To perform this ritual you will need to have two smaller containers of the shape you like, filled with sand of different colors, and a larger container. After the ritual is explained, the bride and groom pour the sand into the large container together. The independence of the individual person is also emphasized in this ritual. The sands of two different colors are joined together while still maintaining their uniqueness.
Oathstone ritual
Scottish tradition is strongly linked to nature and the spirits of the ancestors who guard it. The stone ritual, often performed in locations surrounded by greenery, creates a union between the bride and groom and the ancestors who bless their love on their wedding day. The ritual involves engraving the names of the bride and groom on the stone and having them hold it during the exchange of vows. After the ritual is over, the stone can be reunited with nature by throwing it into the sea, or a river, or kept at home by the bride and groom.
Rose or seed ritual
Other very romantic symbolic rituals related to nature are that of the rose or the planting of a new plant.
The rose is par excellence the flower of love. Exchanging it during the ritual symbolizes both the first gift given between husband and wife, and mutual love. Keeping roses at home after the wedding represents the care that both dedicate to their union.
Similar significance is acquired by the ritual of tree planting, or planting a plant. The love and care that the bride and groom will devote to its growth symbolizes the same care they will give to their couple.
Ring-warming ritual
The ring-warming ritual involves letting the wedding rings pass through the hands of the guests, almost as if each of them could bless them and, through the rings themselves, convey their warmth and protection to the bride and groom. This ritual is very engaging for the guests, who, silently, will be able to extend their most sincere wishes to the bride and groom.
Tips not to be underestimated
As you may have read in this article, the symbolic rite can really be customized as you most desire.
Opting for a symbolic ritual, however, does not mean to diminish the importance or spirituality of the wedding; on the contrary. The more the ritual will harmonize with your personality and reflect your tastes, the more your wedding will be an exciting, unique and truly unforgettable day.
For this reason, it will also be essential to turn to experienced professionals who can guide you in the choice and implementation of your wedding. Finally, remember to involve your guests. Whatever ritual you decide to propose, it is essential that it is explained to the guests by the celebrant so that they understand what is going on and do not feel so excluded.
Want to learn more about how to organize a symbolic ritual? Read our article “How to organize the ritual for your wedding.”
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