| The following is an example of a custom ceremony for a couple who might want
a service that goes beyond the basic elements of a civil ceremony, but stops
short of mentioning any particular religion. It incorporates the symbolism of
the new year into a decision to marry on that date. The way it is written, it should be suitable for a wedding on either December
31 or January 1. With appropriate reading substitutions, it could also be
adapted for multi-cultural New Year traditions.
- Opening Words
- Reading I
- Exchange of Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Hourglass Ceremony
- Reading II
- Blessing and Bell Ringing
- Declaration of Marriage
Opening Words
The occasion of the New Year is more than merely one of celebration, but of
reflection and renewal. Many influences and events brought us to our present
moment and a variety of aspirations and relationships will serve as guides in
the coming year._____________ and _______________ chose today to bring us
together to celebrate the love and respect that brought them to this union. Our
blessings, hopes and loving regard for _______________ and _____________ affirm
and celebrate their commitment.
When we love, we do not love all the
time precisely the same way each and every moment to moment. However this is
what most of us have come to expect. We often have too little faith in the ebb
and flow of life, of love, and of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tid e
and resist its ebb. We needlessly fear it will never return. We insist on
permanency, on duration, on continuity, when life gives us the gifts of
transition and growth.
The new year will not, and should
not, be a repeat of the last. It will build upon the previous year’s flowering
and become the root for the year to follow. Embrace the changes that will come
in your marriage, they are the means to growth and strength.
Opening Reading
A new year is beginning to peak
through
softly beautiful and different like new falling snow,
each day unique and shaped just for you.
Your life adds something, as each day does grow.
My wish for your new year is beauty
and softness with surprises thrown in for delight.
Love for each day bringing happiness to you,
making your life a scene of sparkle and shining sunlight.
- Author Unknown
Exchange of Vows
Love between a husband and wife means caring as much about the welfare and
happiness of the other as yourself. Burdens will be lighter because you divide
them and joys more intense because you share them. No other vows are more solemn
than these you are about to declare to one another. Please join hands as you
repeat after me.
________________,
you are my one true love,
my best friend,
my soul mate....
You complete my spirit and compliment my soul...
Before our family, our friends and the heavens
I pledge my
love to you...
I promise to share the rest of my life with you....
I
will stand by your side…
in times of
loss as well as times of gain.
I will trust, respect and celebrate you.
I will laugh, play and enjoy simple pleasures with you.
I will be there and comfort you always.
I
pledge my fidelity as long as we both shall live.
Exchange of Rings
Although we mark the passage of years with a beginning and an end, in truth
our time together is not a line, but a circle. As the circle can begin anew at
any point, so we too can choose any date on which to reevaluate and renew our
relationship to life. The ring has long been a symbol of the sincerity and
permanence of a couple's love for one another and regard for their marriage. As
the circle can begin anew at any point, so a good marriage can pick any point to
renew itself. These rings are symbols of your eternal love.
Please repeat after me.
____________________,
I give you this ring
as a symbol of
my love and faithfulness.
As I place it
on your finger,
I commit my
heart and soul to you.
I ask you to
wear this ring
as a reminder
of the vows we have spoken today
And know that
every moment in time
is the
beginning of a new year for us.
Sand / Hour Glass Ceremony
________
and ____, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of
rings. Today this relationship is further symbolized through the pouring of
these two individual containers of sand.
One, representing you, ________ and all that you were, all
that you are and all that you will ever be. The other, representing you,
__________ and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever
be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the hourglass, the
individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together
as one.
An hourglass marks the passage of time, but like our spirit and
relationships, can always be renewed. The important thing is to remain mindful
of the contents and strive to replenish one another each time we run low.
Closing Reading
New years are a chance for a
beginning
Even when there hasn't been an
end.
Wheels turn in an interminable
bend,
Yet, marked in one spot, seem to
wobble spinning.
Each year we hope to do a little
better
Although we know that really
nothing's changed.
Reason thinks that everything's
arranged,
So we must dream if we would fate
unfetter.
- Nicholas Gordon
Blessing and Bell Ringing
At
the sound of midnight chimes, a new year begins
And
our spirits raise in renewal and expectation.
At the peal of joyful wedding bells
We lift up our hopes to the promise this special music ushers in.
May
your misfortunes be few and your pleasures many,
your hopes and dreams fulfilled.
May your special union stand in the face of loss
and give you strength and courage to rebuild.
May
the peace and love in your hearts fill all your days
May each moment bless your lives together
and keep your souls interdependent, united and whole.
(Lead the guests in ringing their
small keepsake bells)
Declaration of Marriage
____________ and ___________, you have made special promises to each other
symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and the giving and receiving
of rings. Your friends and family have blessed this union and rung in your life
together as it begins with the new year. By the authority vested in me as
_____________ I pronounce you husband and wife.
Rev.
Ann Fuller, 2006
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New Year's Theme
