How to Plan Handfasting Wedding Vows

Handfasting dates back to the Celts. During the middle ages, there wasn't a priest or minister available to perform an official wedding in many of the small villages. In this case, a couple would perform a temporary ceremony that would last a year and a day, which was enough time for an official to come to town for the legal ceremony. Nowadays, there are numerous handfasting ceremonies taking place. Whether it is a pagan ceremony, or incorporated into another tradition, this ceremony is the forerunner of modern day weddings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper to write your vows.

1. Bind: This type of wedding vow includes the binding of the couple’s hands with some sort of cord, thus the term “hand fastening.” It is also interesting to note that the term “to tie the knot” comes from the handfasting ceremony.

2. Say your vows in front of friends and family; however, the couple may also choose to hold the ceremony privately with no witnesses other than the priest or priestess. Symbolism is the most important thing regarding handfasting ceremonies and vows.

3. Don't make promises. With these vows, there are no promises made to one another, just a commitment for a year and a day.

4. Incorporate a cleansing ritual to create a sacred space, and an invocation of the four elements/directions. The directions are invited to witness and protect the couple as they make their way into the world as one. The priest or priestess performs the ceremony by lightly binding the hands of the couple together and speaking to them and the witnesses of the meaning of the ceremony. The couple then speaks words of love and commitment to each other. These words can be created by the two or found in old Celtic books using words that have been used throughout the ages.

5. Conclude with the couple jumping over a sword and broom while holding hands. This is part of the vow ceremony. The sword is symbolic of cutting ties with the old life and the broom represents the remnants being swept away.

Tips & Warnings

• For pagans, the most popular day for the handfasting ceremony is on Beltane in May, as this is in the spring, or on Samhain (Halloween).
• A handfasting ceremony is not recognized as legally binding. Depending on the particular state and the person marrying you, it can be legally sanctioned when an official signs the marriage license.

[royalbartender]

on 2/3/2009 I will be combining a simple Christian ceremony with Handfasting. On March 3rd 2009. We will also be drinking from a ceremonial cup also a part of the celtic tradition, followed by exchanges of roses. Omitting the broomsticks. I will post pictures & details later if you like. Yvonne.