{"id":27837,"date":"2012-07-17T04:45:37","date_gmt":"2012-07-17T08:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=27837"},"modified":"2021-02-03T13:52:41","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T18:52:41","slug":"the-meaning-and-symbols-behind-the-vows-of-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-vows\/the-meaning-and-symbols-behind-the-vows-of-marriage","title":{"rendered":"The Meaning & Symbols Behind Marriage Vows"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we live in a time of speed, we tend to do a lot of things in a hurry and say a lot of things we do not mean. This may even happen during the stages of wedding planning and preparation. But, of course, that trendy<\/a> and tolerated habit should never apply to the vows of marriage<\/i>.<\/p>\n

But we digress. Once you are ready to walk down the aisle and marry your special someone, you should be able to master your words carefully and have them express your feelings as accurately as possible. Millennial phrases, pop culture references, or catchphrases of the now shouldn\u2019t be something you use to fill up your airtime. Instead, the moment of the exchanging of vows<\/a> should be so strong it can be felt by each and every one of the attendees. In short, the vows of marriage <\/i>should include a short statement of the love you bear your spouse and a commitment to stick together, through good and bad, as long as you both shall live. It does not sound very complicated, does it?<\/p>\n

Well, it may be if you don\u2019t understand the true meaning – including all its traditional symbols and inclusions. Let\u2019s learn a bit about them, shall we?<\/p>\n

The Meaning & Symbols Behind Marriage Vows<\/h2>\n

The Intent & The Promise<\/h3>\n

When speaking of wedding vows as a whole, their intent and their promise is the lifelong commitment each partner is making in that moment. The intent behind the vows – the words spoken – is to map out all the ways in which they plan to uphold the marriage while the promise is that there is no expiration date to the unity of the pair.<\/p>\n

Some vows are plucked from traditional lines that can be found in Biblical or religious materials whereas other couples may write their own – bringing their own unique promises, expectations, and personality to the moment.<\/p>\n

The Unity Candle<\/h3>\n

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One of the most popular inclusions in contemporary wedding vow ceremonies is the lighting of the unity candle. But, what exactly does this symbolize? The meaning is actually quite simple; it acts as a tangible representation of two souls joining as one in marriage.<\/p>\n

Two family candles are lit at the beginning of the ceremony. Those two family candles are then what – for example – the bride and the groom, use to light their unity candle. The combining of two families, the blending of two spirits, it\u2019s a simple and beautiful way to add an extra visual layer to the union.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, it\u2019s been noted that some like to use the candle\u2019s flame as a sign of the newlywed\u2019s passion for one another.<\/p>\n

The Sand Ceremony<\/h3>\n

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Similar to its predecessor, the sand ceremony also symbolizes the new union. In fact, it\u2019s just as well known and just as popular as the traditional unity candle custom. Instead of each partner coming together to light one candle, each partner in this formality comes together to pour sand – each vase signifying their respective families – into one container.<\/p>\n

Once in a while, you may find that members of each side of the family pour a bit of sand into the newlyweds’ own vase as the processional moves forward.<\/p>\n

The Left & Right of the Altar<\/h3>\n

Have you ever wondered why the bride, traditionally, seems to always stand to the left of the altar while the groom stands to the right? Well, some find the tradition rooted in quite the romantic gesture while others find it to be quite the outdated foundation.<\/p>\n

Firstly, since your heart is found on your left side the bride is placed under her groom\u2019s heart. Even more so, it leaves his mighty right hand free to defend her from an intruder who tries to steal her away (think in terms of medieval times when swords were the weapons of choice).<\/p>\n

Despite the tradition and its history, we see more and more couples bucking the system and doing what feels right to them! Feel free to do the same during your vow exchange.<\/p>\n

The Cord of Three Strands<\/h3>\n

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If you are not familiar with the term \u201ccord of three strands,\u201d you may be familiar with the phrase \u201cGod\u2019s knot\u201d or \u201cunity braid.\u201d For those with Christian or religious beliefs, this part of the vow exchange marks unity between the bride, the groom, and God; each strand used as a symbol of the individual.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, the groom will hold the metal ring that the three cords attach to while the bride braids the strands together.<\/p>\n

The Jumping of the Broom<\/h3>\n

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Have you ever seen a couple jump over a broom at the commencement of their vows? This ceremonial gesture is rooted in history and is a tradition that belongs to the Black community.<\/p>\n

In some cultures, the broom symbolizes God, the bristles of the broom represent both sides of the nearly-new family, while the ribbon that\u2019s tied around the handle creates the binding of the couple. And although there are plenty of stories behind the jump itself and its origin, here are a couple we find the most interesting and touching:<\/p>\n