The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

METHODIST WEDDING

THE BRIDE AND GROOM EACH RECEIVE A LIGHTED CANDLE
FROM THE MINISTER AFTER THEY SAY THEIR VOWS. THE
MINISTER, STANDING IN FRONT OF THEM, HOLDS AN UNLIGHTED
CANDLE. THE CANDLE THAT EACH HOLDS SYMBOLIZES THEIR
LIFE BEFORE MARRIAGE. THEN THE BRIDE AND GROOM LIGHT
THE CANDLE HELD BY THE MINISTER WITH BOTH OF THEIR
LIGHTED CANDLES AT THE SAME TIME. THEN THEY BLOW OUT
THE CANDLE EACH IS HOLDING. THIS CANDLE THAT THEY
LIGHT TOGETHER SYMBOLIZES THEIR LIFE TOGETHER AS A
MARRIED COUPLE.

Where learned: NOT GIVEN

Date learned: 09-00-1969