Wedding traditions with fire and the sacred flame

Fire is the oldest witness to a promise. It purifies, gives light and warmth, and carries offerings to the gods. In several traditions the couple make their vows in front of a flame, and in many others a candle or a lamp stands in for it.

The Hindu and Zoroastrian fire

In a Hindu wedding the sacred fire, Agni, is lit in a small pit or a copper vessel in the mandap, and the couple circle it in the pheras and walk the saptapadi. Rice is offered in the laja homa. In a Parsi wedding a fire is part of the setting, and Zoroastrian priests recite blessings in its presence. In Nepal and Bali similar fire rites are kept.

Flame in other settings

Sikh weddings avoid fire and use the Guru Granth Sahib as the centre. In Christian weddings the unity candle, lit by the couple from two tapers, is a modern addition that is popular in the United States. Roman brides were once led to the groom's house with torches, and the groom's hearth fire was part of the welcome. In Russia and Ukraine, the mother may light a family hearth candle.