What does handfasting symbolize?

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives. While it is most often included in Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies, it has become more mainstream and pops up in both religious and secular vows and readings.

What do the colors of handfasting cords mean?

Handfasting Cords For a three-cord handfasting colored cords are often braided: White for purity, blue for fidelity, and red for passion, for instance. You may choose to use other colors; for example, green for fertility and growth, purple for spiritual strength, and gold for wisdom.

Is handfasting the same as marriage?

The term ‘handfasting’ is both the historical term for a wedding, or ‘betrothal’ in Great Britain and Ireland, and also the word for a wedding in Neopaganism.

What are handfasting vows?

What are the handfasting vows? Many times, couples will exchange vows while their hands are still bound together. This is known as the handfasting vows, and it’s common among couples everywhere. It’s a creative spin on traditional vows, as your hands are tied together while you make your promises to each other.

What do you say during handfasting?

Handfasting Ceremony 1 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.

Is a Pagan wedding legally binding?

A Pagan handfasting can be several things, depending on the couple’s wishes. It can be a legal marriage. It can be a commitment ceremony for a common law or civil union. It can be a kind of trial marriage for a couple who wish to ease into married life.

How do I choose a handfasting cord?

Today, there is no hard and fast rule about specific cords. If you choose to shy away from the traditional, anything fabric or rope-like can be used. Silk ribbons, cords in a variety of thicknesses, or fabric from your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dresses are all popular options.

Are handfasting legally binding?

Handfasting was legally binding: as soon as the couple made their vows to each other they were validly married. It was not a temporary arrangement. Just as with church weddings of the period, the union which handfasting created could only be dissolved by death.

Is a Pagan marriage legal?

Despite the fact that a pagan marriage has no legal status, couples are increasingly attracted by its emphasis on the natural world and its spiritual dimension.

Who can perform a handfasting?

You’re just having a non-legal ceremony, and it can be performed by anyone you like. A high priest or priestess, or even a friend who’s a respected member of the Pagan community can do it for you, with little to no fuss.

How many cords do you need for handfasting?

A minimum of two cords are required (or an even number of cords). You and your partner face each other, with one pair of wrists resting on the other’s forearms. One cord is laid over your wrists, and the second cord is laid over your partner’s.

Who can perform handfasting?

Handfasting can be practised by all couples, whether you’re including it as part of a celebrant-led service, holding a private handfasting before you get married, or renewing your vows.

What to say during handfasting?

How many handfasting cords do you need?

How many cords do you need for handfasting? You only need 1 cord but most people use more. It really depends on how you want to design your handfasting. You can use as many or as few cords as you like.

Who can perform a handfasting ceremony?

Is a wedding ring a Pagan symbol?

Instead Roman men would present a ring to the bride’s father as a symbol of purchase. So Why Is The Ring, A Pagan Symbol Used In Christian Marriages? Many question why pagan symbolism is present in Christian ceremonies. For many years the wedding ring was considered heathen by Christians.

Is a handfasting legally binding?

While handfasting is no longer legally binding, it’s a cherished modern day practice. It has a time-honoured status and is a beautiful act of commitment and unity.

Who ties the handfasting cord?

What are handfasting cords? A Handfasting cord (also known as a Handfasting rope, handbinding cord, or a handfasting ribbon) is a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric that is tied or wrapped around the hands of a couple during a wedding ceremony to symbolise the partners’ commitment to each other.

Who performs a handfasting?