The cord in this pic was modeled after the bride's love for Scotland.
When we talk about the Handfasting ritual, we are referring to the hand binding ceremony which defines the union of the couple. We can find its first traces in ancient times in some areas of Great Britain, Scotland and Ireland.
Its true origin is not known. It has been lost in the mists of time, and it is assumed that it comes from the ancient Celts. But we must remember that the Celts were neither a people nor a race: they were a set of Indo-European peoples who expanded over a vast area of Europe, from the British Isles to the Danube and the Iberian, Italic and Anatolian peninsulas. They were essentially nomadic peoples, which over time were conquered by the Romans, the Germans and finally by the Christians, always preserving their Celtic culture and traditions, which survived by changing shape. We can hypothesize that Handfasting is a combination of ancient traditions and that it has drawn from multiple factors.
Like any secular tradition, there is no written proof: the traditions were transmitted orally, and this ancient rite has come down to us after hundreds of years of reworking.
A written medieval proof is known, in which the two lovers proceeded to the Handfasting rite sometimes without witnesses, rings, or ceremonial clothes... Just the two of them. The pact lasted a year and a day and was a sort of "trial marriage".
The Handfasting we know today is the result of a set of different elements and symbols, full of very deep meanings.
In recent decades, more and more couples from all over the world are coming together and celebrating their love by choosing a Handfasting ceremony.
Uniting Souls, being grateful to be companions of each other's journey, honoring the Ancients, harmonizing with Nature: this is the Union, desired, respected and loved.
A romantic marriage proposal in Scotland with one of our cords created for the occasion
WHO CAN USE THE HANDFASTING RITUAL?
Everyone: every couple, regardless of sex or religion, can bond their love, because love knows no boundaries.
​
CAN HANDFASTING BE USED ONLY FOR WEDDINGS?
A handfasting ceremony symbolizes the bond of two lives and two souls, represented by the couple's hands tied together with a cord. Once the hands are tied, words are recited that will express commitment and unity. The rite can be used for:
​
- Engagement
- Marriage proposal
- Marriage
- Renewal of promises
​
WHERE CAN THE CEREMONY BE CARRIED OUT?
There is a real need for many couples to find a sacred place suitable for such an important ritual. For this reason, many choose to perform the ceremony outdoors, in contact with nature and its elements. But obviously you will have to pay attention to the chosen season, the climatic conditions and the location of the aforementioned place. Always let your heart guide you, remembering that every union will be special and unrepeatable, because you will have the opportunity to create the ceremony in your image and likeness, bringing your dreams to life in this unique sacred ritual.
​
NODE
There are many, and it will be the couple who will choose the right one following their instincts. There are those who prefer a knot on the back of the joined hands, who a single knot under the palms of the hands, who three knots…. Any node chosen will be the one you feel most yours, and for this reason it will be the right one.
​
CORD LENGTH
The length of the cord will follow the taste of the couple. The measurements can vary from the binding you are going to make, therefore from 1 meter to the 3 meters required if the officiant is a druid.
​
WHO CAN BE THE OFFICIANT?
He is the trusted person chosen by the couple.
The ceremony is valid in certain states. For further information, please refer to the Symbolic ceremony section.
Handfasting Ceremony
If this rite has called you and you want to include it in your ceremony, use it consciously, with respect and love.
Once you have identified the trusted person who will honor your union, the next steps will be to plan your wedding. We list some passages of the ceremony that can be modified, and to which you can add others.
- ARRIVED OF THE COUPLE AT THE ALTAR
You can have bridesmaids, page boys with you, choose to arrive with your dogs, or be accompanied by relatives or friends, or together. Using the musical soundtrack of your choice.
- THE OFFICIANT WELCOMES
After welcoming everyone present, he can give a small introduction by telling the story of the couple. This is a personal part, which often happens if the officiant is someone very close to them.
​
- INTRODUCTION
It often happens that some of the guests don't know what to expect in front of a Handfasting ceremony. It could be a gesture of attention if the officiant could make a small introduction, explaining that they are about to participate in a blessed union that goes beyond the canons we are used to.
​
- BEGINNING CEREMONY
At this precise moment, the officiant will start the actual ceremony: in this phase you will enter the passages and readings you have chosen.
​
- VOWS AND RING EXCHANGES
The couple will exchange vows and rings.
​
- HANDFASTING RITUAL
The officiant will tie the two hands of the couple to tighten them in an indissoluble knot, destined to last in this life and beyond.
​
- DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
At this point, the couple is declared united (husband and wife, wife and wife, or husband and husband).
​
- CONCLUSION AND MUSIC
The couple leaves the altar. The cord can be on them, or it can be pulled out and placed safely on the altar. During the outing, the guests can celebrate the love of the two by waving the Wedding Wands as a sign of joy, throwing petals, etc…
​
©2023 by The Bluebell Wood D. - Stile in Moto with registered office in via di Fontanella, 752 - 55100, Lucca (LU), Italy - P.Iva 02284480460