The Procession

       From ancient times, the procession was part of celebrations and worship.  The celebrants would march through town with music and singing rejoicing in the occasion or suffering together for the loss of a loved one.  The procession would end at the church or temple, where upon the priest, pastor or rabbi would continue the ceremony. 



     The procession is symbolic of moving from one state of being to another.  The traditional wedding march up the isle of the church or other venue, is one of the few remaining processions we have today.  For a bride, it transitions her departing from her past and entering into her future as a married woman.  The attendants and parent or friend who accompanies her are the celebrants to join and witness her physical movement towards her new life.  As she joins her betrothed at the alter, she enters a intimate circle of teaching where the nature, obligations and privileges of marriage are discussed and promises of the future are expressed. 
     The procession is often a very emotional experience bringing tears to both the bride and groom and many guests.  Deeply symbolic, the actual process of the procession, carries us emotionally, step by step through all the nuances of meaning in the ceremony.  We all move with the bride and groom, from recognizing their singleness to celebrating their union.