Are you looking for a special way to mark your union with the one you love? Add a twist to the classic wedding ceremony with the rich, ancient tradition of handfasting. Here’s what you need to know about this time-honored Celtic ritual.
Ancient Celtic Roots
Handfasting is an Irish or Celtic tradition that dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In the olden days, a Druid priest would conduct the simple ritual, twining a rope or cloth around the hands of the couple. For a year, that couple would be considered engaged, and they would have the freedom to consummate their relationship. After the year, they could either marry officially or have their bond dissolved.
The material that is wrapped around the couples’ hands and tied into a knot is called the “chord.” In ancient times, couples used thin strips of dyed cloth or rope. If they were skilled or wealthy, their handfasting materials would be finer, perhaps embroidered with decorations or emblems. Today’s chords can be anything you like, from ropes and ribbons to vines and flowers.
Words of Ancient Wisdom
During the handfasting portion of the ceremony, the officiant or celebrant will briefly explain the tradition of handfasting and then ask the two participants to join hands. You can hold hands side by side or cross hands, right hand to right hand and left to left. As each section of cord or each separate ribbon is looped around your hands, a new vow is read aloud. Explore some online sources to find beautiful hand-fasting vows.
Sometimes the handfasting vows are used instead of traditional vows, or you can do both. The bindings are removed before the exchange of rings, so make sure that they are not too tight or too complicated.
From Many to One
Whether you’re blending your families or renewing your vows, let the kids get involved! Your children can help you pick out the handfasting chords and braid them. You could even pick a different color to represent each child, creating a thickly braided chord that represents all of them. Keep the chord and cherish the memories!
Even if you don’t have children, you can involve other important members of your family in the handfasting ceremony. Give ribbons to special people in your lives, so they can step forward during the ceremony and contribute their ribbon to the hand-fasting chord.
Charming Memories
Sometimes, couples add special charms to their hand-fasting chord. Look for charms that represent special times together or important moments in your relationship. They could be items that represent your personalities or activities that you enjoy doing together, or they could symbolize your wishes for the future of your relationship.
There are many different ways to incorporate handfasting into your wedding, so feel free to get creative and adapt the tradition to your preferences. The addition of this meaningful Celtic ritual can add a unique depth and beauty to your special day!
