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Trista
and Ryan did it in front of millions on national TV. Did what, you may be
asking? They provided engaged couples all over the world with an alternative to
the Unity Candle,
that wedding ceremony tradition of lighting separate candles and using the lit
flames to both light a single new candle, representing your new lives together.
The Sand Ceremony, with its Native American
origins, is now poised to become a wedding staple and everyone can thank The
Bachelorette for it.
Simply find three
containers, one for you and your fiance to pour the sand into, two for
each of you to pour the sand from. You can find colored or plain sand at
most craft stores. After the officiant reads the text below (or any text
you choose) pour the two containers of sand into the third container
simultaneously. You may wish to leave a small amount of sand in each
container to symbolize that although you are now joined as one, you each
remain individuals.
Words to this effect can then be used: BRIDE and GROOM, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving
and receiving of rings and the exchange of a kiss, and this covenant is a
relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit
themselves to one another throughout their lives. The most beautiful
example of this partnership is the marriage relationship. You have
committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two
individual containers of sand one, representing you, BRIDE and all that
you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other
representing you, GROOM, and all that you were and all that you are, and
all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into
the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer
exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand
can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so
will your marriage be.
When Trista and Ryan were married, they used the following text during their
sand ceremony:
"Love is the eternal force of life.
Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage.
But although you will be sharing one life, never forget you are two separate
people.
Cherish and affirm your differences.
Love each other.
Keep your commitment primary.
Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and
grow.
Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately."
"To symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the
joining of two lives into one entity, 3 colors of sand will now be layered into
a base."
(Trista is handed a clear jar of Pink Sand, Ryan is handed a clear jar of Blue
Sand. The minister has one small clear jar filled with a Neutral color sand and
a large empty jar)
The Minister speaks again:
"We begin with a layer of Neutral Sand which symbolizes that the marriage
is grounded."
(The Minister pours a little of the Neutral Sand into the large jar)
"Then we layer the individual colors. This symbolizes that the marriage is
based on the strength of the individuals."
(Ryan poured a little of the Blue Sand in first, followed by a little more of
the Neutral Sand from the minister. Trista then added a little of the Pink Sand,
followed by some additional Neutral Sand from the minister).
"And now we combine the colors, which symbolizes two lives joined as one
together forever."
(Ryan and Trista simultaneously pour their remaining sand into the large jar
until their jars are empty. The minister caps off the sand with the last of the
Neutral Sand. The minister then holds the large jar up as if presenting to the
wedding audience and places the jar to the side)
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