Sand wedding ceremonies combine different colors of sand as a symbol of the couple's interconnectedness and devotion to one another. It's a beautiful and romantic way to create a lasting symbol of the wedding. A sand ceremony is also a flexible ritual which can be adapted to include children and other family members.
The Meaning of the Sand Ceremony Wedding
In the sand ceremony, the bride and groom (or the two grooms, or two brides) each pour sand from a smaller vessel into a large glass vase. As the sand mixes and can never be separated again, the couple's lives are said to intertwine and become inseparable.
Sand ceremony weddings are a modern version of the unity candle. This kind of ritual is often used at an outdoor beach wedding, where a candle could be accidentally blown out. Although the sand ceremony can also be done at an indoor wedding, it's easier on the beach where spilled sand won't be a problem.
The Traditional Sand Wedding Ceremony
The most traditional version of the sand ceremony involves two containers of sand: one for each of the wedded couple. Sometimes there will be a third jar of sand said to represent the foundation of the marriage or spiritual beliefs, such as a base of white sand to represent the presence of Christ in the couple's hearts and life.
These vessels of sand can be all the same color or each can be a different color, depending on your preference and how you'd like to write your vows. Different colors of sand give a nice visual effect as they're poured together, but even natural beach sand makes an elegant keepsake of the wedding.
Including Children in the Sand Ceremony
If either the bride or the groom has children from a previous marriage, or if they already have children together, it's important to include these kids in the wedding to show their importance in the couple's future. The sand ceremony is a perfect way to show children that they are an important part of their parents' lives and to give them a role on the big wedding day.
During the wedding, the bride and groom pour in their sand first as the foundation of their relationship and the symbol of their love and marriage. Then each child can be invited to pour in his or her own sand. Finally, the vase is topped up by the newlywed couple until it is full, and sealed with wax.
Children will usually want their own color of sand, and it can be fun for them to help choose the colors and vases that will be used during the wedding. You can also invite them to say a few words during the ritual if they're old enough to do so.
It's a simple ritual that nevertheless invites the couple's children – or any other significant relatives, like the parents of the bride and groom – to participate in the couple's vows to one another and in their future lives together.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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