Joshua Bennett
Marriage is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, and there are many symbols used in Catholic weddings to represent the union of two people. These symbols include the wedding rings, which represent unity, fidelity, and eternal love; the bridal procession, which symbolises the transfer of rights over the bride to the groom; the joining of hands, which symbolises mutual self-donation; the nuptial blessing, which is a prayer for help in keeping marital duties; and the sharing of a kiss, which represents the joining of souls. Other symbols such as the unity candle, three-ply rope, flowers, and water jars are also used to signify the couple's commitment, strength, and love for each other, as well as their devotion to God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Single wedding ring | Symbolizes the fidelity of the marriage bond |
| Interlocking wedding rings | Represent the permanence and indissolubility of the marriage covenant |
| Three flowers | Symbolize the three parties to a marriage: the wife, the husband, and God |
| Three-ply rope | Symbolizes the strength of the union between the couple and God |
| Marriage cross | Represents Jesus as the center of every Christian marriage |
| Unity candle | Symbolizes the couple united as one |
| Two clasped hands | Signify the strength of their union as a couple |
| Two hands covered with a stole | Recognizes that their marriage is a sacrament |
| Two doves | Represent bliss and the delight the couple have in each other |
| White gown | Symbolizes purity |
| Holy Bible | Signifies the couple's dedication to God |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding rings
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings has a rich history and deep symbolic meaning within the Catholic Church. The circular shape of the ring represents eternity and unity, signifying the unending nature of the marriage covenant. The ring has no beginning or end, reflecting the couple's commitment to love and honour each other forever.
The hollow centre of the ring signifies that marriage is a channel of love between the spouses. It represents the idea that their love should flow freely between them, nurturing and sustaining their union. The tight fit of the ring on the finger symbolises the strength of their bond, indicating that they are tightly bound together in a relationship of intimate and chaste love.
When two rings are joined together, they become a symbol of joint covenant, unity, and united love. This representation of interlocking rings is often seen in Catholic marriages, reflecting the belief that what God has joined together cannot be separated by human beings. This symbolism extends to the marriage cross, where the Chi-Rho symbol or a cross is displayed between two interlocking rings, representing Jesus as the centre of the marriage.
In addition to the exchange of rings, other rituals and symbols are incorporated into Catholic wedding ceremonies. These include the unity candle, representing the couple's union as one, the bridal procession, the white gown symbolising purity, and the joining of hands, among other meaningful traditions that vary across different cultures and regions.
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Three-ply rope
The three-ply rope is a symbol used in Catholic weddings to represent the unity of the couple and God in their marriage. The three strands of the rope are said to symbolise God, the wife, and the husband. This symbol is inspired by the Scripture verse, "A three-ply cord is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12a). The rope symbolises that a couple deeply connected to each other and to God is much stronger than an individual alone.
The three-ply rope, also known as the wedding cord or wedding lasso, is often placed around the necks of the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. This ritual symbolises the unification of the couple in matrimony for their entire lives, with the loops representing their love for each other. The wedding lasso is particularly common in Hispanic cultures, such as Mexico, the Philippines, and Spain, where it is traditionally made of white satin or silk.
During the wedding ceremony, the groom holds the end of the cord with a metal ring, while the bride braids the strands together. This braiding process is accompanied by an explanation of its significance, wedding music, or a wedding song. The resulting braid is temporarily secured with a rubber band and then permanently held with a gold thread.
The three-ply rope symbol is a beautiful representation of the strength and unity found in a marriage that is deeply rooted in faith. It symbolises the belief that a marriage is not just a union between a husband and wife but also a sacred bond that includes God as an essential and strengthening presence. This symbol encourages couples to weave God into the very fabric of their relationship, recognising that their marriage is stronger and more resilient when intertwined with divine grace.
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Unity candles
The unity candle is not a required element of the Catholic nuptial liturgy, and its inclusion is at the discretion of the priest. The candle ceremony is a relatively new custom, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The origin of the unity candle is unclear, but it may have been popularised by a 1981 episode of the TV show General Hospital, or by Dr Michael Portelli, who used a similar ceremony in his wedding in the 1980s.
The unity candle ceremony may be adapted to include additional tapers used by parents to light the candles representing the bride and groom. The side candles may or may not be blown out, symbolising that the two lives have been permanently merged, or that the married partners retain their individuality. When used in a Catholic ceremony, the couple should light their individual candles from the paschal candle, and the unity candle should not be placed on the altar.
The unity candle can be a meaningful way to symbolise the couple's union in Catholic and non-Catholic Christian weddings, especially in a mixed marriage between a Catholic and a Christian of another tradition.
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Flowers
One of the most prominent flower arrangements in a Catholic wedding consists of three flowers, usually including red flowers. This arrangement symbolises the three parties in a Christian marriage: the bride, the groom, and God, who is the most important yet unseen presence at the heart of the union. The red colour of the flowers holds a twofold meaning. Firstly, it represents the colour of the wine used at Mass, reminding the couple to attend Mass regularly and receive the blood of Christ devoutly. Secondly, red is a symbol of love, reflecting God's love for the couple and their love for Him and each other.
The specific types of flowers used in Catholic weddings can vary, but some popular choices include lilies, roses, irises, sunflowers, and pansies. Each flower carries its own symbolic meaning, adding a layer of significance to the wedding ceremony. For example, the Madonna lily, with its bold white blooms, symbolises the purity and sanctity associated with the Virgin Mary. Similarly, irises are often used as a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sunflowers, with their tendency to follow the sun, represent adoration and devotion, mirroring the disposition of the Blessed Mother, who constantly keeps God at the centre of her gaze.
Roses, with their association with the rosary, hold a special place in Catholic symbolism. They are also linked to an apocryphal myth, where lilies and roses were found at Mary's tomb instead of her body. In addition, roses can symbolise strength and sweetness, making them a traditional choice for the bride's bouquet. Pansies, with their tri-coloured petals, are known as the "Trinity Flower," representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their presence in a wedding bouquet symbolises the life-giving love of the Trinity that mirrors the love of the newly married couple.
The use of flowers in Catholic weddings extends beyond the ceremony itself. Couples may present flowers to Mary, the Blessed Mother, after the closing prayer as a sign of love and devotion. This tradition, though not part of the Marriage Rite, symbolises the couple's devotion to the Virgin Mary and their desire to place her at the centre of their new life together.
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Bridal procession
The bridal procession is an important symbol in Catholic weddings, representing the transfer of rights over the bride to the groom. The processional marks the official start of the wedding ceremony and is when members of the immediate family and wedding party head down the aisle.
The bridal procession traditionally begins with the bride's mother, followed by the groom, the best man, the groomsmen, the maid of honour, the bridesmaids, the ring bearer, the flower girl, and finally, the bride, who is escorted by her father. The groom and his party will start their journey down the aisle once the priest arrives at the altar.
The bride is traditionally dressed in white, symbolising purity and holiness, with the bridal veil believed to protect her from evil spirits. The bridal party may also carry flowers, symbolising future fertility and prosperity.
After the vows are exchanged, the couple may perform a unity ritual, such as lighting a single candle with two candles, symbolising their new union and the light of Jesus Christ. They will then exchange rings, which symbolise unity, completeness, and eternal love, as well as the marriage vow and a 'forever' association.
The ceremony concludes with final blessings and prayers, before the couple is pronounced married and leads the recessional down the aisle, facing their guests for the first time as a married couple.
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Frequently asked questions
A single wedding ring symbolises the fidelity and unity of the marriage bond. The ring is round without a beginning or end to represent the never-ending nature of marriage.
White symbolises purity, innocence, joy, and celebration. In the Christian tradition, it also represents holiness.
Three flowers, usually roses or carnations, and in the colours red or white, symbolise the three parties in a marriage: the wife, the husband, and God.
The unity candle consists of three white candles on a stand or table: two smaller taper candles and a large pillar candle in the middle. The smaller candles represent the bride and groom as individuals, and the large candle symbolises the two united as one after their exchange of vows.
A cross or Chi-Rho is displayed in the centre, with the lower part of the vertical beam between two interlocking wedding rings. The rings symbolise the wife and husband, and the cross represents Jesus as the centre of every Christian marriage.
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