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As brides and grooms create wedding ceremonies
that reflect who they are as individuals and as
a couple, an increasing number of them are incorporating
symbols as a visible sign of their love. "Tokens
of love enable a couple to take the invisible
and intangible - their love and devotion for one
another - and illustrate these feelings in a tangible
way," said Charlotte Eulette, National Director
of the Celebrant USA Foundation.
Ceremony symbols can range from traditional to
dramatic to the unexpected. Below you will find
suggestions on how to easily and appropriately
incorporate symbols into wedding ceremonies.
Symbolize Your New Family Bond
If you are bringing children into the marriage,
bestow a token such as a family medallion in a
ritual that includes them; or let them join in
lighting a family candle to represent the new
bond you all share.
Honor Your Families
Perhaps the most powerful symbol is one that honors
a family member or tradition. Brides can wear
heirlooms from her or her husband's family, such
as a bridal gown, a wedding ring, or a special
piece of jewelry. Pouring libations, an African
tradition where water is poured out on the ground
or into a bowl to honor ancestors who are now
in the earth, is also incredibly moving during
a ceremony. And remember those who have passed
by sharing a poem or prayer they taught you, or
by lighting candles or incense in their memory.
Symbols That Show Your Personality
For a casual fun wedding, brides and grooms have
been known to wear their favorite frocks - those
that reflect their true selves; a favorite color,
style, designer and even Hawaiian shirts and plastic
leis. Forego the traditional wedding march in
favor of Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon"
or another favorite melody. Ask your guests to
wear your favorite colors, or choose an unusual
cake decorated to reflect your new home.
Symbolize Your Unity
Exchange gifts reflecting what you love about
each other. Share foods from your cultures to
represent your bond to each other and your heritage.
Exchange roses that symbolize your feelings and
say "I love you" and promise to do the
same in the future whenever you have challenges,
as a way to always profess your love for one another.
Sign a ceremonial marriage contract and ask your
guests to add their names to the scroll.
Cultural Symbols
Do some research into your and your spouse's heritage.
These age-old traditions are often simple yet
powerful. Make Japanese good luck origami cranes,
use a Huppah for all faiths made by friends and
family; or take a cue from Orthodox and Jewish
traditions and circle the ceremonial table to
reinforce your marital bond. Jump the broom to
honor your African-American heritage.
Take Cues >From Your
Surroundings
Reflect the season of your marriage by using blooming
flowers from a backyard garden. Your choice of
location - whether a quiet garden, a dramatic
hilltop or a busy public square can be a symbol
of your personalities and the values you share.
By Wendy Schwimmer
The Celebrant
USA Foundation
The Celebrant
USA Foundation is a non-profit educational
institution dedicated to helping families personalize
celebrations that mark life's milestones. Since
the first Celebrants began practicing thirty years
ago, they have performed over one million weddings
worldwide. Celebrants officiate at virtually every
life event, including weddings and commitments,
funerals and memorials, and baby namings and adoptions.
With a focus on personalizing each ceremony to
reflect the needs, beliefs and values of the couple
or family, Celebrants are trained in the art of
celebration, symbolism and tradition.
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