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Overview
There are a few common sand ceremonies, some of which involve water or other pourable materials instead of sand (beans, rice, grain, seeds, wine, etc). They involve the couple (and sometimes other family members) pouring the pourable material from individual containers into a larger, single container. The unity candle ceremony , hands ceremony, and rose ceremony are similar to the sand ceremony and may be either performed alone or with the sand ceremony.
For other unification and unique ceremony ideas, please visit the Cultural wedding traditions page.
History
Like many wedding traditions, it is hard to pin a history to where the sand ceremony began. It has been attributed to indigenous customs in Hawaii. In Hawaiian ceremonies, sand from two smaller vials is poured into one larger bowl or seashell to symbolize the joining of two lives into one. If the wedding is held on the beach (which is traditional), the sand for the individual vials is taken from beneath the feet of the bride and groom.
Today, the sand ceremony is still a beautiful and unique unification ceremony. Though some couples may prefer to use water, wine, or other elements- the idea of taking two containers and combining them as one, never able to be seperated, is a powerful metaphor for the lasting legacy of the marriage.
The sand ceremony was thought to be made popular recently by its inclusion in a wedding spun from the hit television show The Bachelorette.
Modern Ceremonies
A modern-day sand ceremony is comprised of the declaration of symbolism, the presentation of what is to be poured, the pouring of the material, and usually a blessing of some sort of the final container (though this can be omitted).
Ceremony Wording: Sand Ceremony
Generic, Modern Ceremony
Officiant: (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) now come forth to seal their relationship through the mixing of the sands. Just as two lives together now join to become one, so will the individual sands become one as they are poured. It would be impossible to separate these sands, just as it would be impossible to separate (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride)'s lives after today. This covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who love each other heartily and who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.
Officiant: Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the pouring of two individual containers of sand. One represents (Bride/Groom) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The other represents (Groom/Bride) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, the individual containers of sand ceased exist as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseperable.
Religious Ceremony: Christian
Officiant: Before us sits a container to symbolize the bonding of this union sealed with the love and blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The white sand symbolizes the purity of a marriage covenant at which Christ Jesus is the center. The sands the couple holds represent their individual selves. As they pour these sands together and mix them, they symbolize the eternal bond that will hold them and their marriage together.
Officiant: (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) will now come together for the Mixing of the Sands. Just as Jesus Christ is the Lord of their lives and the Rock of their Salvation, He will now be the solid foundation that holds their marriage firm. This is symbolized by the white sand in the bottom of the bottle. (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) both have sands that symbolize their individual lives and selves. As they pour their sands in together, it shows how their lives- once separate- are now becoming intertwined as one. Just as it would be impossible to separate these sands once poured, their union shall make them inseperable as well. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Ceremony Joining Children or Families
Officiant: Just as we have now bound (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) to one another, we will now celebrate the unification of (other family/child/children) into this covenant. The couple will first pour their sands into the vase, showing that their marriage is the foundation of this family. Their sands mix together and symbolize their bond of love and respect that can never be separated. As (family member/child/children) now add their sands, we are reminded that though we are all different people, it is our individuality which adds a unique color to the tapestry of the family. Like the sands poured before it, so these sands will also mix and be unable to be separated.
Officiant: Now we will celebrate the creation of a family. The (three/four/etc.) vials of sand here represent (Bride/Groom), (Groom/Bride), and (child/children/family members). As each pours in the sands, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual respect. Just as the sands are forever intermixed, so are the lives of the people being celebrated today. As we join this couple in marriage, we are also reminded of the significant role that (child/children/family members) play in this marriage. Today, a new unified life is shared within this family.
Setting up for a ceremony
Depending on how the sand ceremony will take place and what containers/materials will be used, attendants may be needed to help facilitate the ceremony.
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