The Sand Ceremony is a very popular wedding ritual. In this ritual, the bride and groom each come to the ceremony with a vessel filled with sand of a certain color. The different color sands in the separate vessels represent the uniqueness and the wholeness of each individual. If children are involved in the new union, they may each have a separate vessel of their own with their unique identifying colored sand.
Bride and groom, then, each take turns holding their vessel and speaking of who they are as an individual, including their hopes and dreams for the future, as well as important aspects of their family and history. The couple, as well as participating children, if desired, then combine their sand into a new and larger vessel. This represents the union of their marriage.
When they have finished, bride and groom speak of who they are together, what their relationship means and what their shared hopes and dreams are. The new vessel with different colored sands then becomes a very special and treasured family heirloom that can be prominently displayed in their home as a daily reminder of their vows and their sacred union.
The Sand Ceremony may also be used in commitment ceremonies and vow renewal ceremonies alongside other beautiful rituals, according to the needs and desires of the couple.
