Have Faith in the Meaning of Your Wedding Vows
April 7, 2008
Committing to one another mind, body and soul using faith as your guide can be the most spiritually uplifting start to your journey together as a couple. Your wedding vows are your promise to be witness to your partner’s life.
Although there are many denominations, each faction with their own individual take on how the couple should share their wedding vows, the desired result is still the same; to commit to love and caring for one another no matter the circumstance that may arise in the future.
Depending on the religion, there may be variations during the ceremony as to how and when the vows are taken. If the couple have followed their religious suggested vows, the words will include some reference to their denomination beliefs.
During a Jewish wedding ceremony, the couples will exchange vows when the rings are exchanged. Commitment to one another hallowed by the faith of Israel.
Muslim wedding vows are taken with the couple sitting apart from one another, committing to each other in the affirmative three times and then signing a marriage contract.
In a Buddhist wedding ceremony, a couple may pledge as part of their vows to cultivating compassion, generosity, patience, enthusiasm and wisdom while committing to grow in dharma. They may also pledge to seek to understand all living beings and regard all the mysteries of life with openness and joy.
There are of course non-denominational wedding vows and although they generally hit many of the traditional points of commitment they of course omit the mention of God or a higher power. Being married by a judge in a court may occur when two people have totally different religious backgrounds and so non-denominational wedding vows are used in the ceremony to avoid conflict.
So much time and energy goes into planning a wedding. Getting the wedding dress, cake and invitations perfect will remain a top priority for the bride to be. Couples should remember though that committing to each other through your wedding vows is truly what matters most.
Regardless of what religious beliefs you hold, writing your wedding vows can be a personal spiritual journey. It’s about your love towards your partner and the commitment to honor, respect and appreciate one another as long as you both live.
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