How to include a handfasting in your wedding

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition used to join two people together. The ritual is often included in Pagan weddings, but can be added to any secular service.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy or make a cord. The color may be any in the rainbow, but there are themes represented by specific colors (see Tips). The cord can be a single color or a weaved construction that includes beads or charms. The only limit is your imagination, but consider that it will be tied around you and your betrothed’s wrists and it should be practical for this use. For an added special touch, ask a close friend to make the cord and present it at the ceremony.

2. Write the handfasting into the ceremony. There are several forms of the ritual, many of which are online. You don’t have to use any of these verbatim. The gist is this: the couple getting married joins their left hands. The cord is tied loosely around their wrists as a symbol of their union. While bound, the couple exchanges rings with whatever vows or tradition they choose. The cord is then slipped off without being untied as the couple releases each other’s hands.

3. Consider explaining what handfasting is and its history during the ceremony or in your wedding program so grandma doesn’t think this is some kinky promise you are making.

4. Give the handfasting cord a place of honor in your home after your wedding, as you would the cake topper or any other memento of your marriage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check that your officiant is willing to include a handfasting in your ceremony.
• Different cord colors symbolize different positive themes: Red: will, passion, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigor, lust. Orange: encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty, kindness. Yellow: attraction, charm, confidence, balance, harmony, knowledge, learning, concentration, persuasion, joy, comfort. Green: finances, fertility, luck, success energy, charity, growth, rejuvenation, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, ambition, counteract greed and jealousy, plant kingdom including herbal healing, Blue: tranquility, understanding, patience, health, truth, devotion, sincerity, honor, loyalty, peace, wisdom, protection during sleep. Light Blue: tranquility, understanding, patience, health Dark Blue: safe journey, longevity, strength Violet or Purple: power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality, wisdom, high ideals, spiritual protection and healing, psychic ability, protective energy, strength, progress Black: strength, empowerment, wisdom, vision, success, pure love, unlocking when stuck, banishing evil or negativity. White: purity, consecration, meditation, divination, exorcism, the full moon, healing, peace, spiritual strength, truth, serenity and devotion. (May be substituted for any other color.) Gray: balance, neutrality, used in erasing, canceling, neutralizing. Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness, healing, familial or emotional love, friendship, affections, unselfish emotions, spiritual healing, banishing hatred Brown: The Earth, grounding, trees, concentration, telepathy, healing, skills, talent, nurturing, home and hearth. Silver: purity, the moon, treasure, values, female energy, the unconscious mind, creativity, inspiration, vision, and protection. Gold: the sun, male energy, wealth, financial wisdom, conscious mind, attracting happiness, activity, intelligence, unity, longevity, prosperity, strength.

[Rheality]

on 2/4/2009 Great Article! 5 Stars!