<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE Zthes SYSTEM "http://zthes.z3950.org/xml/zthes-05.dtd">  <Zthes><term><termId>31447241</termId><termName>marriage candles</termName><termType>PT</termType><termNote><![CDATA[ Candles used during a marriage ritual and/or in commemoration of a marriage, in the later case often with the date and names of the couple inscribed. The ritualistic use of candles during a marriage has roots in the ancient "taeda," essential in ancient Greek and Roman marriage ceremonies. In more modern western usage, several traditions exist: Included are carrying the candle in the bridal procession to the church; the solemn presentation of the candle to the bride by the bridegroom; the lighting of the candle in the home of the newly married couple; or in the liturgy, the couple may each have separate candles, which they extinguish to allow the single marriage candle to remain; or the couple may each contribute to lighting the marriage candle. ]]></termNote><termCreatedDate>2026-03-30 21:04:54</termCreatedDate><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31447242</termId><termName>candles, marriage</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31447243</termId><termName>marriage candle</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31424598</termId><termName>candles</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation><relation><relationType>RT</relationType><termId>31310262</termId><termName>marriage</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation><relation><relationType>RT</relationType><termId>31447259</termId><termName>taedas</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation></term>  </Zthes>