Handfasting has been practiced since ancient times, particularly in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon cultures. It involves binding the hands of the couple together with a ceremonial rope or cord to symbolize their commitment to each other. Modern couples have adopted this ritual as a non-traditional alternative to traditional weddings, but many wonder if handfasting is legally binding. In this post, we’ll explore the history of handfasting, its legality in different parts of the world and what it means for modern couples looking to tie the knot.
The History of Handfasting
Handfasting has its roots in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon traditions, which often revolved around nature and the changing seasons. The term “handfasting” comes from the Old Norse “handfesta,” which was a commonly used term during the Viking Age. The act of tying a knot to seal a commitment can also be traced back to other cultures, including Hindu and African tribal cultures.
During the Middle Ages, handfasting was a recognized legal marriage in England, Scotland, and Wales. In fact, handfasting was the most common form of marriage in England until the 1753 Marriage Act was passed, that required all marriages to be performed by a priest in a church, and to be recorded in a public register.
In Scotland, handfasting was legal until 1939 when the Marriage (Scotland) Act was passed. The act recognized both religious and civil marriage ceremonies, and handfasting was no longer recognized as a legal form of marriage. However, the Scottish Law Commission has stated that handfasting may still be considered a legal marriage if certain requirements are met.
The Legality of Handfasting Today
The legality of handfasting varies depending on where you are in the world. In some countries, handfasting is considered a legally binding marriage ceremony, while in others, it is not recognized at all.
In the United States, handfasting is only considered a legal marriage if the couple obtains a marriage license and has the ceremony performed by a licensed officiant. However, if the couple wants to incorporate handfasting into their wedding ceremony, it can be a meaningful and symbolic addition.
In Ireland, handfasting is not legally recognized as a form of marriage, although it is still practiced today as a cultural and spiritual tradition.
In Scotland, handfasting is not legally recognized as a form of marriage, except in cases where the couple has made a mutual declaration of intent to be married. In this case, the couple must be of legal age to marry and the declaration must be made in front of two witnesses.
In England, handfasting is not a legally recognized form of marriage, although it is sometimes used as part of a spiritual or alternative wedding ceremony.
Future of Handfasting
As we move forward in time, it’s possible that handfasting may become more widely recognized as a legal form of marriage again. In some countries, there is a growing movement to recognize spiritual and alternative forms of marriage, and for these to be legally recognized.
For many modern couples, handfasting has come to represent their commitment to each other, regardless of whether it is considered a legal marriage or not. It provides a unique and meaningful way for couples to connect with each other and with ancient traditions that celebrate love and unity.
Conclusion
Handfasting is an ancient tradition that has been used to symbolize the commitment between couples for centuries. While it was legally recognized in many parts of the world in the past, today, the legality of handfasting varies from country to country. However, couples can still incorporate handfasting into their wedding ceremonies as a meaningful and symbolic gesture of their love and commitment to each other. Whether recognized as a legal marriage or not, handfasting remains an important part of many cultural and spiritual traditions around the world.
FAQ
What is the difference between handfasting and marriage?
The terms handfasting and marriage are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and origins. Handfasting is a term that has been used historically in Great Britain and Ireland to refer to a betrothal or engagement period that lasted for a year and a day. During this time, the couple would live together and get to know each other before deciding whether to go ahead with a formal marriage ceremony. Handfasting was often a more informal and flexible arrangement than marriage.
In modern times, handfasting has become associated with Neopaganism and is used to describe a wedding ceremony that is based on ancient Celtic traditions. In this context, handfasting is seen as a spiritual or symbolic union rather than a legally binding contract. It is often performed by a priest or priestess of the pagan faith and can include elements such as binding the couple’s hands together with ribbons or cords.
Marriage, on the other hand, is a legal and social institution that is recognized in most cultures around the world. It typically involves a public declaration of commitment between two people and may be performed by a religious or civil authority. Marriage carries legal and financial obligations and provides certain rights and benefits to the couple, such as inheritance rights, tax benefits, and hospital visitation rights.
The difference between handfasting and marriage lies in their origins and purpose. Handfasting was historically a period of engagement and is now used to describe a spiritual or symbolic wedding ceremony, while marriage is a legally recognized union that carries certain rights and obligations.
What religion is handfasting ceremony?
Handfasting is an ancient ceremony that dates back to the Celtic civilisation. It is a ritual that symbolically binds two people in matrimony by joining their hands together in the presence of witnesses. The word “handfasting” refers to the act of tying or binding the hands together. While handfasting is associated with Pagan and Wiccan beliefs, it is not exclusive to these religions. Today, it is often included in both religious and secular wedding ceremonies as a way of adding more depth and meaning to the commitment being made between two people.
In Pagan and Wiccan traditions, the handfasting ceremony is seen as a sacred, spiritual union between two people, but it is also celebrated in non-religious communities. In these ceremonies, the couple embraces the elements of nature and calls upon the divine forces that govern the universe to bless their union. The ceremony is usually conducted by someone who is knowledgeable about the traditions and is referred to as a High Priest or High Priestess. They might create a sacred space for the ceremony, casting a circle, calling to the elements, and invoking the blessings of the deities.
Handfasting symbolism varies from tradition to tradition, but at its core, it represents the union of two people in love, trust, and mutual respect. For example, the tying of the cords or ribbons that connect the two partners’ hands together symbolizes the creation of a permanent connection.
Today, handfasting ceremonies are conducted in different ways to reflect the couple’s spiritual or personal beliefs. Some couples may choose to have a full-on traditional Celtic ceremony, while others may incorporate a few elements of the ritual into a modern wedding ceremony. The common factor is that the ceremony is personal and meaningful for the couple, and it is a celebration of their love.
Handfasting is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that has been passed down through the generations. While it’s commonly associated with Wiccan and Pagan beliefs, it has become more mainstream in recent years and is widely accepted in various communities. Today, it is a unique and beautiful way of celebrating the union of two people regardless of their religious beliefs.
Do you handfast before or after vows?
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic wedding tradition that involves tying the couple’s hands together with a ribbon or cord to symbolize their union and commitment to each other. However, some people are unsure of when to perform the handfasting ceremony in relation to the wedding vows.
Traditionally, the handfasting ceremony was performed before the couple exchanged vows and rings. The couple stood facing each other with their hands fastened together and made their promises to each other. This was followed by the exchange of wedding rings and the pronouncement of the couple as married.
However, in modern times, many couples choose to perform the handfasting ceremony after exchanging vows and before the official pronouncement of marriage. This allows the couple to add a symbolic touch to their wedding that represents the physical joining of their lives together. The couple will typically stand facing each other with their hands already fastened together, so that at the moment of the vow exchange, they simply gaze into each other’s eyes and make their promises.
The choice of when to perform the handfasting ceremony is up to the couple and what they feel is most appropriate for their wedding. Some couples may choose to perform the ceremony before exchanging vows to emphasize the importance and significance of the handfasting tradition. Others may choose to perform the ceremony after exchanging vows to add a symbolic touch to their already established union. Regardless of when it is performed, the handfasting ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way for a couple to symbolize their love and commitment to each other.