The wedding sand ceremony is a creative variation of the unity candle and salt covenant rituals.
The origins of the wedding sand ceremony remain unclear. Some attribute it to Hawaiians or Native Americans, where it’s believed to symbolise the unbreakable nature of marriage.
Others link it to the ancient Hebrew tradition of the Salt Covenant, a symbol of friendship, agreement, and peace, often sealing contracts.
In Jewish culture, salt was emblematic of the bond between spouses and even signified family adoption.
Emerging around the late 1980s as an alternative to the unity candle, the wedding sand ceremony gained popularity due to outdoor weddings. Unlike the unity candle, which was hindered by wind, the sand ceremony worked seamlessly in open-air settings.
Though its origins may differ, the central theme across these versions remains consistent: the union of two individuals. The blending of sand or salt signifies an indissoluble union, solidifying a lasting commitment.