The rite of light has no clear origins. According to some it began in pagan times, according to others it has its roots in the New Age and Wicca tradition.

However, there is no doubt that The rite of light is definitely a symbol of religious origin. Indeed, it represents light as opposed to darkness, illuminating the path of faith. What we know for sure today is that in Germany and the United States this rite is celebrated by the majority of couples, while in Italy it is still little known.

The Rite of Candles, or Rite of Light, is celebrated in two stages.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride and groom (or even their parents) light two candles (usually narrow and long), which will remain lit the whole time on either side of a larger candle. After the exchange of rings, the bride and groom hold their candle, symbolising their personalities, and together they light the larger candle, which will then start burning as a symbol of new life.

At the discretion of the bride and groom, the two smaller candles can be left lit, symbolising their individuality joining the couple, or extinguished, symbolising the transition from the old family unit, to the new life.