Sand ceremony for marriage

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Evelyn Carpenter

Ximena Muñoz Latuz

The sand ceremony represents the symbol of family unity and is perfect to give a special touch to your wedding. In addition, you can personalize the reading, set the atmosphere with music, involve your guests and even incorporate some details related to the sand in your decoration. If you like the idea for your wedding ceremony, don't think twice!

    Origin of the ceremony

    Hacienda Venus

    The origin of this ceremony is not clear, although there are two versions that are possibly close to reality. The first, linked to the ancient Hebrew culture, where writings of "salt covenants" were found, which were used to seal agreements and contracts more than 3,000 years ago. In this context, each of the parties carried a handful of salt Thus, the salt was fused and inseparable for life, which meant that the pact would also be eternal.

    That first theory makes a lot of sense, although a more contemporary one suggests that its origin is linked to the Hawaiian culture, because when weddings were celebrated on the island, the native bride and groom would bring a handful of sand from their home villages and mix it during the ceremony as a symbol of union.

    When is it held

    Wedding Brushstrokes - Ceremonies

    There is no exact time to perform this ceremony, although it is usually performed after the exchange of wedding rings and declaration of vows, as the last act of commitment. It is usually officiated by a close relative or close friend of the couple, although there are also masters of ceremony who are particularly dedicated to this.

    Corresponds to a symbolic rite proper to civil marriages It also allows you to personalize the moment with texts specially adapted to the contracting couple.

    What it consists of

    Jim & Veronica

    Each bride and groom should bring a transparent container with sand. The quantity will depend on the type of vessel, although half a kilo per person is usually sufficient.

    The ceremony begins when the officiant begins to read the text and then each couple takes their container and, little by little, pours it into another larger jar, both at the same time, where the sand is mixed. The idea is that the latter is made of glass so that the process is visible to all.

    Ceremony with children

    Javier Alonso

    If you have children, having a sand ceremony is a great way to get them involved, plus it's very emotional and easy for them.

    The proposal is that the little ones have their own containers with sand, all in different colors and melt it together with their parents', as a symbol of family unity. They will surely love the idea and the result will be spectacular. Now, if one of your children is older, he can even be the one to officiate the ceremony.

    Guide text

    Julio Castrot Photography

    Although you can rewrite it as much as you like, have a look at to the following text for inspiration You can also add soft background music to accompany this intimate moment.

    Officiant: "You are gathered here in a sign of commitment for the rest of your days. Let us witness this beautiful union with the pouring of the sands brought by them. This sand represents you, "name bride" and all that you bring to your being and this represents you, "name groom" and all that you bring to this new life together.

    Take now your containers where each grain represents a moment, a memory, a feeling or a learning and let them fall into this new stage that begins today.

    Your sand "name girlfriend/boyfriend" and yours "name boyfriend/girlfriend" represent what each of you is and when you empty it into the new container (you start pouring the rest of the sand) it will represent what you will be from today onwards, where the grains of sand will be mixed so as not to separate, like your new life together.

    From today they will share from love, respect and complicity, every grain of the time of their lives. This new symbol brings value to the union of two individual personalities who promise each other eternal love in this new container (the officiant raises the container so that everyone can see it) as a symbol of those who were, are and will be, receive this souvenir of their commitment.

    Souvenirs

    Amber Pink

    Finally, if you want to give a gift consistent with this ceremony to your guests, can opt for small jars with sand as souvenirs Or, if instead of a traditional mug you will use an hourglass to celebrate the ritual, you can then give small hourglasses as a gift and show off with a very delicate detail.

    Whether you are getting married on the beach, in the city or opting for a country wedding decoration, this ceremony is perfect, as it is emotional, romantic, meaningful and, above all, very personal.

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    Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.