Are you looking for a unique ceremony to add to your big day? If so, you might want to consider adding a unity sand ceremony to your wedding ceremony. Similar to the unity candle ceremony, the unity sand ceremony allows you and your future spouse to show your love in a romantic and interesting way.
Unity Sand Ceremony Basics
The unity sand ceremony is a symbolic way for you and your future spouse to show that you are two separate people joining to become one. Just as the unity candle ceremony involves using two different candles to light one, the unity sand ceremony involves mixing sand from two separate containers into one. Just as the sand mixes together to become one, so do the lives of the bride and groom. By having the bride and the groom each use a different color, the end result is a multi-colored container of glass. Unlike the unity candle ceremony, the unity sand ceremony results in a lovely container of sand that you can keep as a memento of this precious day.
The Roots of the Unity Sand Ceremony
The exact background and history of the unity sand ceremony is a subject of debate. While some believe it was first conducted by the Native Americans, others believe the ceremony originated in Hawaii. As a result, some couples choose to integrate Native American or Hawaiian sayings into their unity sand ceremony, but this is not a necessity.
What is known for certain is that the ceremony became quite popular after it was used during the wedding of Ryan Sutter and Trista Rhen, star of the reality show The Bachelorette. Ever since 26 million viewers watched the unity sand ceremony take place on television at the couple’s wedding, it has become a far more common addition to modern-day weddings.
As can be expected, many variations of this ceremony have been developed. For example, rather than using multi-colored sand, the couple may choose to use sand that comes from a place that is special to them. Or, the bride and the groom may each use sand from their hometown. Another increasingly popular trend is to have other family members add their own sand to the container. If the bride or groom already has a child from a previous relationship, this is a great way to symbolically demonstrate the coming together of the entire family. Yet another variation includes having the bride and groom each keep a small amount of sand in their individual containers, thereby demonstrating that they are united as one but are still their own individuals.
Regardless of the variation you choose to use, the unity sand ceremony is a great way for you and your future spouse to further demonstrate your love for one another in front of the people you most care about.