The candle is a powerful symbol of life, party, romance, wealth and spirituality: it embodies the energy of fire, and the dancing flame reminds spiritual elevation. The candle is a natural source of light (fire being dominated by man) and it acts as a link between the ethereal and the material world: indeed, the wax, the wick combined with fire and air make a synthesis of the elements in their union, which can be compared to the couple united by wedlock. In religious terms, the candle symbolises both faith in the believer’s soul and the purifying love of God.
The candle also represents peacefulness and intimacy, and it has protective properties. During the wedding ceremony, a candle is lit in order to protect the couple from bad omens and evil spirits. Ritual candles must not be blown out : they either burn till the flame fades, or an extinguisher is employed. A ritual candle is used only once.
In Cambodia, candles play an important part in rituals. For Cambodian people, a candle perfectly embodies human life, which can easily be blown out, or passed from one candle to another. In South Africa, when the bride and her groom have exchanged their vows, a candle is lit and only then, the couple is considered as united. In the Philippines, two candles bring light over the couple through the whole religious ceremony. In Czech Republic, the bride and the bridegroom hold a nuptial candle together and let all their guests light up their own wax candles from the nuptial flame. The whole church is filled with sparkling lights that symbolise the guests’ best wishes.
For your wedding, remember to provide your guests with candles that they will light up during the ceremony or that they will bring home after the reception, as a favor for instance: candles indeed make very symbolic and spiritual wedding favors.
At your wedding venue, don’t hesitate to burn incense sticks and essential oils: you can recreate a sort of altar on a decorated table on which you can put a blank wedding book that your guests will fill with happy messages, best wishes and pieces of advice. The atmosphere created by candle light and fragrances will put their mind at peace and provide them with inspiration. You can also decorate the tables with candles that will put your guests at ease, creating an intimate reunion at each table; people who initially don’t know each other will feel relaxed and will soon open friendly discussions.
If you’re having an outdoor wedding party, you and your guests will certainly enjoy torches here and there on the set: they will bring over the festivities a very typical glowing light and a touch of romance, but during the dry period, mind the wind blows and the disposition of the torches, you surely don’t want a fire to break out during your party… Again, if the reception takes place outside, you can leave a special memory to your guests before they go home: indeed, if you arrange candles on the ground to form a heart shape or a thanking word, your message will be beautifully expressed …
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Slava Diamy is an editor for "Weddings" category at BlogsOK.com. If you'd like to know more about different countries wedding ideas and traditions - head to the site.
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