Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings

Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings

The handfasting ceremony in weddings has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In the Celtic culture, marriage was seen as a sacred bond between two individuals and their families. The handfasting ceremony was an integral part of this union. It symbolizes the joining of two souls and their commitment to each other.

During the ceremony, the couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons or cords in a knot-tying ritual. This act represents unity and oneness, as the couple’s lives become intertwined from that moment on.

The colors of the ribbons used in handfasting ceremonies also hold significance. Red symbolizes passion and love, while blue represents trust and loyalty. Yellow signifies joy and happiness, and green symbolizes growth and fertility.

Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings has evolved over time, and modern couples often incorporate their own personal touches. Some choose ribbons or cords in their favorite colors, or even add charms or meaningful objects to the binding.

There are many ways that hands can be fastened. This is a simple step by step guide about how to tie a handfasting cord.

Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings Example 1

Discuss handfasting with your celebrant who can help tailor this inclusion in your ceremony.

Marriage Celebrant… “Dario and Robyn have chosen to incorporate a traditional handfasting into their ceremony today. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms “Bonds of Holy Matrimony” and to “Tie the knot”. Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material world eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternal.

Please join your right hands.”(Dario and Robyn hold hands, the ribbon is laid over the hands and tied into a knot underneath.)

Marriage Celebrant… “This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and peace, happiness and prosperity.”
(hands to stay tied for the asking and the vows)