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Ceremonies with Symbolism

Writer's picture: Nick WellsNick Wells

We're very used, these days, to being able to share so much, so quickly, with so many. Social media use is so widespread and there are advantages to the public nature of modern life. Sometimes, though, particularly with a ceremony as intimate as a wedding or a funeral, we can want something much more personal which resonates with ourselves, our values, our character, and our relationships with those who we love the most.


Whether you're looking to arrange a wedding, a funeral, a naming or another ceremony which is important to you and your family, incorporating personal symbols and ritual elements can turn a standard service into a much deeper experience - an experience which touches and includes those who are taking part and witnessing the events, whether or not you are sharing them on your social media feeds.


Throughout human history, symbolism has served as a powerful tool for communicating what words alone can't get across. Symbols often bridge cultures, transcend language barriers, and connect us to the deeper meanings we seek in life's pivotal moments. If we weave symbolic elements into modern ceremonies, we don't just creating pretty moments – we're also tapping into an ancient human tradition of marking significant transitions with meaningful gestures.


Don't mix up symbols with cymbals - unless you're getting married to a drummer.
Don't mix up symbols with cymbals - unless you're getting married to a drummer.

If we consider a unity candle ceremony at a wedding, we see the symbolism of two individual flames joining to create a single, stronger light. This simple yet powerful symbol represents not just the union of two people, but also the merging of families; the combination of two sets of hopes, dreams and aspirations; the foundations of a new household; and the eternal nature of love. Similarly, a sand ceremony, where different coloured sands are poured together to create an unrepeatable pattern can represent how two lives blend into one relationship, while maintaining their individual qualities.


In a Celtic-inspired handfasting, the literal binding of hands with cord or ribbon creates a physical representation of commitment and connection. This ancient practice brings forth something primal in us – the physical act of binding together mirrors the emotional bonds being formed. Meanwhile, the tradition of the oath stone, where promises are spoken while holding a significant stone, connects us to the lasting nature of our commitment to one another, as solid and unchanging as the stone itself.


"So, what IS the difference between swearing an oath and swearing?"
"So, what IS the difference between swearing an oath and swearing?"

In the same way, for a naming ceremonies, symbolic elements take on special significance as we welcome new life into our family and our community. Wish jars, or the creation of memory boxes all serve to root the child in their family's tradition and culture, while creating strong connections to their narrative which they can return to again and again throughout their lives.


Even in times of farewell, at funerals, symbolic gestures provide comfort and meaning. The scattering of flower petals or planting of trees help mourners process their grief while celebrating the legacy of their loved one.


These symbolic elements do more than make a ceremony seem prettier or more bearable – they create participatory moments that engage everyone present and hold meaning for them. They turn observers into active participants, helping to create stronger community bonds and lasting memories that resonate long after the ceremony itself ends.


When personalizing ceremonies with symbolic elements, there's no single approach. The key lies in choosing symbols that genuinely reflect your beliefs, values, and stories. Whether drawing from cultural traditions or creating new rituals, symbolic gestures help us mark life's transitions with a real sense of depth and significance.


In our modern, digital world, taking time to incorporate meaningful symbolism into our ceremonies helps us slow down, connect with what truly matters, and create moments of authentic humanity to be remembered throughout our lives.


In the coming posts, I'll explore some of the symbolic elements which you might choose to include in your ceremonies in more detail.


If you'd like to book a discovery call with me, just click here: This Moment


Alternatively, email me at nick.wells@thismoment.org.uk

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