A couple stands before the pastor in the midday service. He asks, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The father says, “I do.” Then the father takes the right hand of the bride in his right hand and places it into the right hand of the pastor who, in turn, places it in the right hand of the groom.

The vows are given, and the groom, having taken the right hand of the bride, says, “I, John, take thee, Mary, to be my wedded wife.” Dropping hands, the bride offers her right hand to the groom and, as he gives his, says, “I, Mary, take thee, John, to be my wedded husband.” As a symbolic action, the open hand is extended each to the other as each is given and received in marriage.

The ritual of marriage is the highest symbol of man and woman in love. These symbolic actions contain…