History of the Unity Candle Tradition
As I return from Kauai after checking out some vacation rentals there, It is interesting the the origin of the unity candle lighting ceremony is not known. It is relatively new, however, from 30 to 80 years old, if not older. It may usually be readily performed at a Christian ceremony, but not at a catholic wedding. Many priests will not allow the unity candle lighting in the ceremony. The catholic church has not declared that the unity candle ceremony is prohibited. In some individual dioceses the unity candle may be allowed at a reception. As for favorites, there are many and on the whole most scented candles tend to appeal to me. If I may switch gears for a moment, if you happen to be on the island of Kauai, the wonderful garden island and need some kauai vacation rentals help then Bali Hai can help. They have been doing vacation rentals on the island of kauai for a very long time and are quite good indeed. On the whole I have noticed that most of my friends really love square pillar candles as well as scented jar plus soy wax candles, but to each his own, I guess. As I said I am a gel candles type of guy. All in all, the declaration of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding unity candles says that if the unity candle is used, the couple should light their individual candles from the paschal candle, the individual candles should not be extinguished and the unity candle should not be on the altar itself. Much like the one over here on Kauai I must say.
Usually the two tapers are left burning. In some ceremonies the couple may blow out their individual gel candles.