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Handfasting
Handfasting
is a Neopagan (especially Wiccan) term for a wedding. It can be performed
for heterosexual or homosexual couples as well as for larger groups in
the case of polyamorous relationships. Handfasting is related to an old
Celtic ceremony, in which the couple's hands are ritualistically tied
together, hence the phrase "tying the knot". The ceremony can either symbolize
the beginning of a trial marriage typically lasting a year and a day,
or, with proper legal measures, handfasting can be a legal marriage ceremony.
There is no universal procedure for the ceremony, and the elements included
are generally up to the couple being handfasted.
One
unique tale of a handfasting tradition was the Telltown marriages. These
took place once per year, on the Sabbat Lughnasadh, and all unmarried
people would get together and be married, usually with no knowledge of
to whom they were marrying until that day. The marriage would last until
the next Lughnasadh. At that time, they were free to leave the union if
they desired.
The term tying the knot, which is still used widely today, originates with the practise of handfasting. During the ceremony the couples hands are tied together with a (usually) red cord (red symbolises the desire, passion and vitality of the love the couple have for each other). The celebrant recites a blessing whilst the cord it still tied. The cord is then removed from the writsts of the couple. It is often kept, still tied in a knot, by the couple as a reminder of their vows. A red ribbon can be used instead of a cord, if this is preferred. Are you interested in purchasing a handfsting kit? Please see the Celtic Design Shop's website for more information. |
