Symbols

Symbols

Handfasting
An ancient ceremony called 'handfasting', was in some instances enough for a couple to be considered wed in the eyes of the community. It is from this ceremony that the words 'tie the knot' originated. The celebrant takes the piece of ribbon and holds it over her arm. Celebrant then places the ribbon around the wrists of the couple, saying, 'now I tie this lovers' knot you are joined in one-ness. Gentle are the bounds of this union, pull one way and the bonds are strengthened, pull the other way and they are loosened." Then withdraw their hands and the knot remains intact. The ribbon is then given to the bride to keep.

Rose Ceremony
After rings have been exchanged celebrant talks about rings being an outward demonstration of love and respect. Then explains that in the past, the rose was 'you'. Therefore it would be appropriate that a first gift as husband and wife should be a single rose. Couple then exchange single roses. Celebrant then suggests that the couple choose a special place in their own home, so that on anniversaries, or any other occasion that is important to them, they place a single rose for their partner, to remind them of their love for each other.

Warming the rings
Both rings are placed into a small velvet pouch and the celebrant would hold them in her hands, gently rubbing the bag between her palms, the bag would then be passed to the bridal party, one by one, before being returned to the celebrant. If the number of guests is small, say up to 50, then the velvet pouch could be passed around the guests while a poem is being read.

Blending of the sands
You need three containers, one larger one, and 2 small ones. In the larger one you place about an inch of white sand. The two smaller ones have different colour sand, ie blue and purple.

Celebrant says:
"This beautiful union is symbolised through the combining of these
vessels of sand. The first vessel represents you James, and all that you
were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other
represents you Amanda, and all that you were, all that you are and all that
you will ever be. (Celebrant now hands the individual containers to the bride and groom, blue for the groom and purple for the bride).

"Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can
stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However when
these two are blended together they create an entirely new and
extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the
mixture a unique and lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination".

(Hold up the larger container with white sand) and say, "Within the wedding vessel, the pure white sand represents a strong foundation of unconditional love on which this marriage is based.

I now ask James to pour into this vessel, his sand. It represents his commitment, fun, and strength.

I now ask Amanda to pour her sand, this represents her sensitivity, her passion and maternal self. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be a moulding of two
individual personalities, bonded together forming one heart, one love. The
life that each of you experienced now, individually, will hereafter be
inseparably united, for the two shall become as one."

Candles in ceremonies
At the beginning of the ceremony the bride and groom each light a candle. After theyhave been declared husband and wife they each take their lit candle with their right hand and light the marriage candle as the symbol of their union. The separate candles, symbolising their past, separate lives, are then extinguished.

Alternatively, the mother of the bride, and the mother of the groom could step forward at the start of the ceremony and each light a candle. Later, after vows have been exchanged the couple can then light a taper from the two candles, and together, light one unity candle.

Candles can also be lit in memory of a loved one, i.e. a parent or grandparent who has passed away. This can be done at the start of the ceremony and the celebrant would say some simple words about 'although your loved one is not here today, we know they are watching over you with pride'.

Sand Kits now available

Couple sized Kit
Includes small heart shaped
glass bottle
2 x 95 g coloured sand
Paper funnel
Ceremony wording
packed in decorated white carrier bag ` $9.50

Family sized Kit
Includes medium size heart shaped glass bottle
4 x 95 g coloured sands
Paper funnel
Ceremony wording
packed in decorated white carrier bag $12