Rituals
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Ritual Examples
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Sand
Pouring
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Minister:
g and b, today you have made sacred vows to finalize your union. To symbolize this new union, you will now combine these vials of sand to seal your spiritual bond.
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g and b will each receive a vial of sand of their favorite color.
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You each hold in your hand a distinct vessel of sand. Gaze into this vessel, allowing the sand within to symbolize your individual life. Visualize each grain of sand as a moment in time; either one that has already come and gone, or one yet to pass. This sand represents the waves endured over the course of time, every trial and tribulation that has been thrown your way. By the same token, it also encapsulates your joys, your achievements, and your triumphs. Reflect on these experiences, and the strength required to achieve your goals or overcome your challenges.
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Together, slowly pour your sand into the common vessel.
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g and b will then simultaneously pour their sand out into larger vessel
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Just as your individual sands have combined together and melded into one, so too, g and b, will your lives be forever joined from this day forward. Similar to the grains of sand, your lives, now combined, can never be separated.
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You will share your love, your joy, your hopes, your dreams and your fears with one another. Notice, too, that your mutual vessel of sand is now larger and more impressive – just as your lives have gained depth and meaning thanks to the love and support of your partner. Moving forward throughout life, always recognize the importance of this bond you share.
Candle Lighting
Minister:
g and b, today we've had the great pleasure of witnessing your union become official. As a symbol of your bond, you will now light a unity candle – the flame of which is emblematic of your two souls coming together as one.
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g and b will now receive a candle.
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g and b, you each hold in your hand a flame. Think of this flame as a representation of your individual lives. Your dreams and sorrows, passions and fears, joys and disappointments – all reside within the light of this candle. Now, give one last look into this singular light, for it is about to merge with another.
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Minister will pause for effect.
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You will now light the center candle together.
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g and b will now use their candles to light the larger candle between them.
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The two flames now burn as one, just as your two spirits have formed an irreparable bond. This bond is powerful enough to help you through any difficulties and struggles that may arise. As your love steers you through the obstacle course that is life, remember that your lights burn brightest together.
Hand Fasting
Minister:
g and b, having spoken the official words, now it is time for the fasting of your hands that will seal your union on a spiritual level. This ritual is one of deep significance. Please interlace your hands together, taking care to breathe slowly and focus on the connection being created.
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g and b will join hands, right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand, in an interlocking fashion. Note: they may need help with this step, so be prepared to assist them with hand placement
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Look deep into each other's eyes, and remember all you have experienced together – both the highs and the lows. Henceforth, you will be united in partnership – ready to support one another through both the joys and the sorrows.
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It's now time to fasten your hands together, a tradition that has spanned generations. This act symbolizes a deep commitment to your shared union.
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Officiant will now wrap the hand-fasting ribbon around couple's interlocked hands several times
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Just as your hands are bound before us today, so too will your lives become. While this ribbon will soon be unwrapped, your spirits will forever be joined in unity from this moment forward. Let us acknowledge this special bond you share, and may your relationship be blessed with joy and happiness.
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*Officiant pauses for effect, and then unwraps ribbon*
Glass stomping
Minister:
g and b, this is a special day in both of your lives, and one you will no doubt cherish forever. Before we proceed, take a moment to reflect on every major decision and important experience that you've had over the years. Although you surely had no way of knowing at the time, each of those life events have led to right now, to this very moment.
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Although you have spoken the words to finalize your commitment, you will now officially seal your union with the smashing of the glass. It is tradition that once the glass is shattered, we shall all shout "Mazel Tov".
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As the officiant delivers the above message, the best man will wrap the glass in white cloth and place it on the floor before the couple. Once it's in place, the couple will stomp the glass.
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This glass, now shattered, may never be reassembled. Similarly, the bond you have consecrated today is a permanent one. Your lives are now forever joined together through faith, love, and a sense of duty to one another.
