How to Bind Hands for Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient custom for marriage. Originally, a handfasting took place a year and a day before the couple decided to marry. The hands were bound during the ceremony to symbolize the agreement and unbound after the ceremony. The couple lived together during the trial time and, at the end of the time, decided if they wanted to officially marry. In modern times, a handfasting is often incorporated into the actual wedding ceremony. It symbolizes a joining together of the couple as equals. Vows are usually recited after the hands are bound together, and the hands stay bound for the rest of the ceremony.
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Instructions
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Take a length of the cord from each end of the cord. The bride holds one end and the groom holds the other.
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Drape the cord over your partner's wrist. Bring the cord around the wrist and back up. Do this loosely. You want the cord to be secure on the wrists, but not tight. The bride and the groom should do this simultaneously.
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Drape the cord back over your own wrist so the remainder of the cord hangs down the opposite side of the wrist. Do this step simultaneously.
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Hold hands and continue with the ceremony as planned.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your own cord with colors of significance for you and your spouse.
