Handfasting
What is a Handfasting Ceremony?
The handfasting ceremony is an ancient Celtic wedding ritual which has recently become quite popular in Australia today. It is a binding commitment between two loving persons forever in – heart, mind, body and spirit. The binding lasts for as long as love remains. The only thing that can undo a handfast is a lack of love.
Handfasting is a traditional wedding ritual that dates back to ancient Celtic cultures, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. It involves the binding or joining of the hands of the couple as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to each other. The term “handfasting” itself refers to the act of tying the couple’s hands together.
The ceremony typically includes spoken vows or promises exchanged by the couple. The binding can be done in different ways, such as a simple wrapping of cords, braiding the cords together, or creating intricate knots. As the cords are tied, the couple’s hands become symbolically bound together, signifying their commitment, unity, and the beginning of their journey as a married couple.
In modern times, handfasting has become popular for couples looking to incorporate unique and meaningful rituals into their wedding ceremonies, especially for those with Celtic heritage or a fondness for ancient traditions.
Since the specifics of a handfasting ceremony can vary based on individual preferences and cultural influences, couples have the flexibility to tailor the ritual to suit their relationship and values. Handfasting can add a distinctive and memorable element to a couple’s celebration of love and commitment.
During a handfasting ceremony, various colored cords or ribbons are often used to represent different aspects of the couple’s relationship or their individual personalities. The cords are wrapped around the couple’s joined hands, creating a visually striking and meaningful display.
How is Handfasting done?
Handfasting is a ritual in which the couples’ hands are tied together with a ceremonial ribbon or cloth. It’s often done in modern times with a beautiful ribbon the couple chooses.
We tie a bow with an opening loose enough so that the hands can come out freely, or we simply drop the cord across the hands. The couple saves the ribbon or cloth as a keepsake. So it is nice to involve someone of importance to you to tie the cord.
It is customary to use a red cord to signify love while the knots indicate the tender bondage of the couple’s mutual commitment. Thus the saying is to ‘tie the knot’. At the same time, you can choose any ribbon you want and in any colour.
More about the Handfasting ritual.
Handfasting Wedding Ceremony
Some couples getting married chose to include the Handfasting ritual as part of their wedding ceremony.
There are many wedding ideas and rituals we can include in any wedding ceremony to make it extra unique while personalizing the ceremony for each and every couple.
Let’s make your wedding ceremony extra special too.
A good idea is to hold the ceremony outdoors, if possible. As we mention in the script the stars and the earth as witnessing this ritual.
Contact me so we can book your date and start planning together your wedding ceremony too.
