Handfasting has been a part of Celtic tradition for centuries as a way of celebrating the union of two people who have decided to get married. This ancient tradition involves the tying of cords around the wrists of the couple as a symbol of their commitment to one another.
While the exact origin of handfasting is uncertain, many historians believe that it was initially performed by the Celts, and it has since become a popular alternative to traditional Western marriage ceremonies. While there is no set script for the handfasting ceremony, many different customs and traditions have developed over time.
Preparation for Handfasting Ceremony
Before the ceremony can take place, the couple will need to select their cords, which are typically made from natural materials such as wool, silk, or hemp. Each cord is then tied into a loop and blessed by the officiant, who will typically be a pagan priest or priestess.
During the ceremony, the couple will stand facing one another, and their hands will be joined together with the cords. As the cords are wrapped around their wrists, the officiant will speak words of blessing and engagement.
The Script for Handfasting Ceremony
While there is no set script for a handfasting ceremony, there are certain traditions and customs that many couples choose to include in their ceremony. Some of these include:
Blessing of the Cords
The ceremony will begin with the officiant blessing the cords that will be used to tie the hands of the couple. This will typically involve the officiant reciting prayers or wishes for the couple as they begin their life together.
The Asking
The officiant will then ask the couple a series of questions designed to affirm their commitment to one another. These questions may vary, but they will typically revolve around the couple’s love and commitment to one another.
The Exchange of Rings
Some couples choose to exchange rings during the handfasting ceremony as a symbol of their love and commitment. This is typically done after the cords have been tied.
The Binding of the Hands
The highlight of the ceremony is the binding of the hands. The officiant will tie the cords around the couple’s wrists while reciting traditional vows or blessings.
The Jumping of the Broom
Some couples choose to jump over a broomstick during their handfasting ceremony as a symbol of their spiritual union. This tradition dates back to medieval times and represents a spiritual cleansing of the couple as they begin their lives together.
Conclusion
Handfasting is a beautiful and ancient tradition that has been celebrated by the Celts for centuries. While there is no one script for a handfasting ceremony, many different customs and traditions have developed over time. Whether you choose to include the blessing of the cords, the exchange of rings, or the jumping of the broom, a handfasting ceremony is a meaningful way to celebrate your love and commitment to one another.
FAQ
What do you say at a Celtic handfasting ceremony?
A Celtic handfasting ceremony is a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony which involves binding the hands of the bride and groom together with a cord or ribbon. This ceremony has been practiced for centuries and is still popular today among couples who are planning a non-traditional wedding.
The ceremony can be customized according to the couple’s preferences. However, there are certain traditional elements that are typically included in a Celtic handfasting ceremony. One of the significant aspects of the handfasting ceremony is the exchange of vows. The couple shares their promises to each other in front of their witnesses, friends, and family.
During the exchange of vows, a typical phrase that is used is, “In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another. By this cord you are thus bound to your vow. May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last. May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger.” This statement emphasizes the significance of love and unity between the couple.
Another important aspect of the ceremony is the binding of the couple’s hands. The binding is symbolic of the couple’s commitment to each other and their unity. The binding can be done using a cord or ribbon, and it is wrapped around the couple’s hands to symbolize their commitment to each other.
The couple may also choose to include readings, poems, or prayers to add more significance to the ceremony. These may be chosen based on the couple’s beliefs, interests, or cultural background.
A Celtic handfasting ceremony is a unique and beautiful way of celebrating a couple’s union. It is a meaningful way of expressing their love and commitment to each other in front of their loved ones. The ceremony can be customized to fit the couple’s preferences and beliefs, and it is a wonderful way of celebrating their journey and future together.
What do the colors mean in handfasting cords?
Handfasting is a traditional Celtic practice that is still common today in various parts of the world as a wedding ceremony. One of the main elements of handfasting is the use of cords that are usually braided and tied around the wrists of the couple. Handfasting cords are typically made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, or hemp, and come in different colors.
In the handfasting ceremony, each color of the cord has a special significance and meaning. The colors of the cords are typically chosen to reflect the desires and intentions of the couple. The traditional colors used for a three-cord handfasting are white, blue, and red, but other colors can be used as well.
White is often used to represent purity. It symbolizes the purity of intention and the pure love that the couple has for each other. The white cord is also a symbol of the commitment that the couple makes to each other in the presence of their friends, family, and community.
Blue is typically used to represent fidelity. It symbolizes the loyalty that the couple has to each other. It is also a symbol of the trust that they have in each other, as well as the trust that they have in their friends, family, and community to support them.
Red commonly represents passion. It symbolizes the passion that the couple has for each other, as well as the passion that they have for life. The red cord is also a symbol of the courage and energy that the couple needs to face the challenges that may come their way during their life together.
Green is often used to represent fertility and growth. It is a symbol of the new life that the couple will create together and the new opportunities that they will have. The green cord is also a symbol of the abundance and prosperity that they will experience together.
Purple is often used to represent spiritual strength. It symbolizes the spiritual union that the couple has and the spiritual growth that they will experience as a result of their union. The purple cord is also a symbol of the wisdom and knowledge that the couple has gained through their life experiences.
Gold is often used to represent wisdom. It is a symbol of the wisdom that the couple has gained individually and will now share with each other. The gold cord is also a symbol of the gratitude and appreciation that the couple has for each other and for the love and support of their friends, family, and community.
The colors used in a handfasting ceremony have deep significance and meaning. They provide a way for the couple to express their intentions and desires for their life together. The cords are a tangible symbol of the bond between the two partners and provide a reminder of the commitment and love that they have for each other.
What is the handfasting cord called?
A handfasting cord, also known as a handfasting rope, handbinding cord, or a handfasting ribbon, is a crucial part of a handfasting ceremony. This cord is a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric that is used to symbolize the union and commitment between two people during their wedding ceremony.
The tradition of handfasting dates back to the ancient Celtic times, and it is still commonly practiced today among neo-pagans and other spiritual communities. During the handfasting ceremony, the couple’s hands are bound together with the cord, which can be made of various materials, including silk, satin, wool, hemp, or cotton.
The handfasting cord is usually braided, knotted, or intertwined in a way that represents the partners’ shared values and beliefs. It can also incorporate specific colors and symbols that hold personal significance to the couple. Some use cords made of multiple colors to represent the blending of two families or cultures.
The handfasting cord is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the act of binding the couple’s hands together is seen as a representation of the couple’s commitment to each other. Secondly, it symbolizes their union and the intertwining of their lives. It is also considered a symbol of protection, as the cord is meant to shield the couple from harm and negativity throughout their marriage.
The handfasting cord is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the union between two people during their wedding ceremony. It is often customized to reflect the couple’s values, beliefs, and personal preferences, and it serves as a powerful symbol of commitment, unity, and protection.