We are so lucky to have many beautiful beaches here on the northern beaches of Sydney, and I have many many requests for beach weddings. And in keeping with the beach theme, I often get asked to incorporate a Sand Ceremony into the wedding for my couples.
But what is a Sand Ceremony?
The origin of wedding sand ceremonies is a little vague, but we do know that the sand ceremony has been used historically to unite couples (and their families) who come from different countries, with the bride and groom each using a vial of sand from his or her homeland. Many people believe early Native Americans began the tradition, while others believe this ceremony only started more recently as beach weddings became more popular around the world. Another school of thought is that they originated in Hawaii when couples who were entering into a committed union with each other would scoop sand from the beach and combine their individual handfuls into a container to symbolize the joining together of their lives.
Symbolism
The symbolism of sand ceremonies is immediately identifiable. The different colors, represent the individual lives of the bride and groom. Although combined into a single sand ceremony vase, the layers of color show that both the bride and groom have retained their unique identities and personalities. But looking closer, it is virtually impossible to define the exact point where one layer ends and the next begins …. the grains of sand can never be separated. This is a strong and beautiful representation of the “two becoming one” concept that has resonated with couples all over the world.
The Ceremony
The sand ceremony generally features two [or more] glass containers that are each filled with a different color of sand and placed on either side of another larger glass container or vase. The container can be completely empty or filled with a base layer of neutral- colored sand, and you may like to have it specially decorated with your names and the date of your wedding. The bride and groom then take alternating turns pouring layers of sand into the main vase/container until it is filled, usually accompanied by a short reading or statement from the marriage celebrant, or by the couple saying their vows and pouring a little sand after each pledge. You may choose to have the celebrant also add sand, or special family members [parents, children]. The celebrant then caps the container with a cork, wax, or airtight lid. The sealed vase then becomes a colorful keepsake that serves as a powerful reminder of the couple’s wedding day.
There are, however, no formal rituals or restrictions to follow for holding a sand unity ceremony of your own. Though they are performed at weddings in many faiths, wedding sand ceremonies are not a traditional part of any major religion. The colors of the sand, for example, are left up to the bride and groom (though sometimes neutral colored sand representing God is also used) and can have deeply personal significance or simply look pretty.
The most common point in your ceremony to hold the sand ceremony is usually immediately after the bride and groom take their vows, but some couples choose to perform the ceremony as an introduction to them. As I mentioned above, other couples have even begun to make the ceremony a part of the vows themselves, pouring additional sand after each pledge. It also does not always have to take place at the wedding ceremony itself, and can even be performed at the wedding reception that follows the wedding ceremony.
Sand ceremonies do not have to be limited to weddings either – I often get asked to include them in Renewal of Vow ceremonies and Naming Day ceremonies on the Northern Beaches. You can also choose from a large range of colours that can represent colour meanings, or just be your favourite colours, and create a beautiful multi coloured keepsake that can last forever. You might like to include family members, parents or children, in your ceremony as a symbol of family and togetherness, and they can add their own coloured sand to your vase.
Sand Colour Meanings:
Blue – longevity, patience, tranquillity
Purple – power, healing, health, progress
Green – luck, health, beauty, prosperity
Red – strength, love, fertility, passion
Pink – unity, love, happiness, romance
Yellow – charm, attraction, confidence
Silver – inspiration & vision, creativity
Gold – prosperity, unity, strength, longevity
White – peace, spiritual purity, devotion, truth
Black – wisdom, success, strength, pure love
If you would like to know more about Sand ceremonies, or would like to include one in your upcoming wedding, please don’t hesitate to contact me and we can design a beautiful and meaningful ceremony just for you!
Dianne Morpurgo ♥