Symbolic Actions

Symbolic actions or rituals can add a beautiful visual element to a ceremony and help create a poignant, memorable occasion.

A symbolic action can involve just the couple and the celebrant, or can include friends and family members too - remember, there are no rules!

Popular symbolic actions include: 

• Unity Candle Ceremony
• Sand Ceremony
• Handfasting ceremony
• Jumping the broom
• Drinking from the quaich

Photo credit: Celebrant Directory

In a unity candle ceremony, the couple light individual candles which they bring   together to light a single candle.

The separate candles represent the couple’s individual lives, and the unity candle represents their life together. The   flames of the candles represent the love, light and warmth that the couple bring to each other. 

Children and other family members can also be involved, and multi-wick candles can be used. The unity candle can be lit on special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.

Photo credit: Celebrant Directory

In a sand ceremony, different colours of sand are combined in layers in a clear jar or bottle. Each partner takes turns to add layers, to create a multi-layered coloured pattern.

The different colours symbolise each person. Once the grains of sand are combined, they cannot be separated.

Children and other family members can take part and add their own colours, creating an attractive keepsake representing their new family.

Photo credit: Association of Independent Celebrants

Handfasting is an ancient ritual with a rich heritage. The couple join hands while the celebrant binds them with ribbon or cord. The ceremony symbolises the binding of two lives. 

Different strands can be used to symbolise elements of the relationship. Family members and friends can add strands too.

The ribbon or cord is arranged in such a way that when the couple release their hands, they tie a knot – hence the phrase ‘tying the knot!’

The handfasting ribbon or cord can be kept as an attractive keepsake. 

Photo credit: Blue Ridge Weddings

There   are different stories about the origins of jumping the broom. When Roman couples in  Wales eloped,   they would "jump the broom", a branch of flowering common broom, or a besom made of broom. 

Jumping   the broom also has origins in Western Africa and has a long tradition of  being used in African-American weddings.

Jumping   the broom can represent a wish for ‘a  happy hearth’ and home. It’s a symbol of protection,   transition, unity, and resilience. It can represent a ‘leap   of faith’ and can add a bit of fun, daring and drama!

Photo credit: National Trust For Scotland

The quaich (pronounced ‘quake’) is a tradition from the Scottish Highlands.

A quaich is a two-handled shallow drinking cup or bowl, usually made from silver or pewter, but sometimes glass or wood.

The quaich is a traditional symbol of love and friendship. As part of a wedding ceremony, the quaich symbolises partnership and sharing, and the joining of two families.

The couple share a toast, traditionally whisky or brandy, but anything goes. Baileys, tequila, pineapple juice– whatever takes your fancy!