Handfasting
Origins
Handfasting is a Celtic wedding tradition in which the hands of the couple marrying are tied together to symbolise the binding of two lives. The ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. When two people became betrothed, they were brought together, and a braided cord or ribbon tied around their hands in the presence of a priest. This act acknowledged the pair’s betrothal, which typically ran the length of a year. It was a public declaration of intention to marry, letting potential suitors know that the woman was intended to her betrothed and not to be courted by others. Today the engagement ring acts in a similar way. After the year was up, the couple would go back to the priest and either declare their intention to be married or declare that they would not. Both would then be free to choose another.
What are they made from and Why?
Traditionally, cords or ribbons are used, some couples choose to use cloth from sentimental items of clothing such as a grandparent’s scarf, mothers wedding dress, etc. You can use as many pieces as you like, but three is the standard so that couples can braid the pieces together, which symbolises their lives joining together. Colour is optional and couples can choose for colours to match the theme of their wedding or maybe colours that are special to both of them. The modern couple sometimes choose to invite members of their families, or guests to help perform the ceremony.
A fun, memorable and meaningful part of your Celebrant led Wedding Ceremony.
Here are some words I created for a couple as part of their Handfasting Ceremony and where the cords were woven from a sentimental item of clothing and the Groom’s Mother’s performed the ceremony. The guests were also included in as well:
Celebrant: Upon this day, your hands I bind as a symbol of your hearts entwined.
Couple to their guests: To witness this, we ask of thee, Our union forever blessed be.
Celebrant: And now we secure the handfasting with a knot that binds your lives together: And I ask your guests to repeat after me:
Celebrant: Above all, clothe yourselves with love
Guests: Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
Celebrant: Which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Guests: Which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
© Ruth Lee: Handmade Ceremonies July 2022
