Handfasting: a symbolic ritual rich with history and tradition. has gained popularity as a beloved component of modern commitment ceremonies. Done as part of a wedding, vow renewal, or partnership celebration, handfasting provides a meaningful method of honoring the bond between two people. Drawing on ancient customs, this ritual speaks to those looking for something heartfelt, something personal, something authentic and meaningful to express their love and devotion. But what is it, where does it come from, what does it mean and how is it adapted for a modern day celebration and why is it so alluring?
Origins of Handfasting
The origins of handfasting are rooted in the ancient Celts and Pagans. Historically, it was a form of betrothal or temporary marriage, in which couples joined hands and promised their love in front of witnesses or gods. The act had a ritualistic significance, thought of as a binding contract lasting a year and a day during which time the couple could choose to formalize or dissolve their union.
The term “handfasting” comes from the Old Norse word handfesta, which refers to striking a bargain by clasping hands. As decades passed, new spiritual and cultural values were infused into the practice. Handfasting was also considered a legitimate marriage in the Middle Ages, especially in the rural communities where clergy were not always available.
Symbolism of Handfasting
Essentially, handfasting is the binding of two lives together; as in binding the hands together with cords, ribbons or fabric to symbolize the union. It symbolizes unity, trust, and the promise to walk with each other throughout life. Tying the knot in this way, therefore, magically symbolizes the promises, intentions, and commitments they will make to each other, and the physical knot becomes a signal of their shared values stacked up against those of your wider community.
This symbolism goes further than just the physical act of binding. Handfasting embodies the balance of partnership between two people joining together while honoring one another’s identity. The cords themselves are often deeply personal, in that the colors or materials that are used may represent both shared interests, cultural heritage, or spiritual beliefs.
How Handfasting is Performed
Modern handfasting ceremonies tend to be very personal, with couples customizing the ritual to show their unique relationship. Below is a general sense of how a handfasting ceremony would go:
Preparation: The couple chooses cords, ribbons or fabrics for the ceremony. These could be selected for their colors or textures, or for sentimental reasons.
Joining of Hands: The couple faces each other, each extending one or both hands. Their officiant or loved one then starts the binding.
Binding the Cords: The cords are wound around the couple’s hands in a series of loops or knots as vows are exchanged or intentions declared. But each knot can also represent a specific promise to each other, such as love, fidelity or partnership.
Blessing or Invocation: The officiant might put his blessing, prayer or invocation to Gods, spirit energies or ancestors to witness and protect the union.
Unbinding or Knot-Tying: After the vows, the hands may be gently unbound, leaving the cords tied together as a keepsake. The tying can also stay tied until the end of the ceremony.
Meaning of Colors and Materials
(Side note: The materials and colors used in handfasting cords are often symbolic, making it a sacred ceremony in and of itself.) Couples might select shades that reflect their sentiments or goals. For example:
- Red: Love, passion, and power.
- Blue: trust, loyalty and peace.
- Green: Fertility, prosperity and renewal.
- White: Purity, unity and hope.
Gold or Silver: Well-being, knowledge, and transcendence.
Including family heirlooms, cultural textiles or hand-sewn ribbons will also bring this ritual one level deeper.
Common use of handfasting in contemporary commitment ceremonies
Today, handfasting has become more than a historical relic; it has been embraced by weddings, same-sex unions, vow renewals and other commitment ceremonies. Its inclusivity has made the ceremony a favorite among couples of different races, religions, and sexual orientations.
Handfasting is, for many, a breakaway from traditional rites, an alternative that is authentic and meaningful.” The ceremony can incorporate secular, spiritual, or interfaith values, so it suits a contemporary celebration.
How to Add Handfasting to Your Ceremony
If you want to work handfasting into your ceremony, here are some steps to make it special.
Choose The Right Officiant: You’ll want to work with an officiant who understands the meaning of handfasting and can support you in your journey.
Make Your Cords Personal: You can choose materials that have personal significance — ribbons in your favorite colors, fabrics from places with special meaning in your life, cords made by people you love.
Craft Your Vows: Include vows specific to your handfasting ritual, vowing to live according to your values and to one another.
Include Other People: Include family or friends in the ritual by having them hold cords or give blessings.
Document the Moment: Have a photographer document the ceremony — rubrics, kiss and all and pair with a photographer to document the binding and the emotions it evokes.
A Failed Tradition for Modern Love
Handfasting is a beautiful way to celebrate love and commitment to one another. With so much history and meaning behind it, it sticks with people, and is one of the highlights of couples memories of their day, and their guests’ experiences too. Whether as a standalone segment of a ceremony or as part of a larger celebration, handfasting captures that which is at the heart of partnership two hearts bonded by shared vision and commitment.
Conclusion
Handfasting is one of the few traditions that remain, as a nod to how love carries on and never goes away. Its versatility and meaning can make it an ideal choice for couples who want their ceremony to feel both personal and universal. Whether steeped in ancestry or adopted for its elegance, handfasting is history, background, and meaning entwined in one occasion.
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