Handfasting, for many people, popped onto the radar thanks to the 1995 movie Braveheart. In actual fact, it is perhaps one of the oldest wedding traditions. In Europe, until the mid 1700’s, few unions were sanctified in a church or synagogue. Rather, they were celebrated by a simple hand fasting ceremony, which often marked the betrothal or engagement period (“a year and a day”). Sometimes handfasting was used again to finally bind together a couple as husband and wife.
Today, there are a variety of ways to add handfasting into a wedding ceremony:
- A traditional ritual using a single cord, scarf, or piece of fabric
- Or use different cords, colours or keepsakes that are meaningful.
- Tie yourselves together.
- Or have your special people take an active role in the ritual.
2020 Update
Wow, it’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since I wrote this post! And so many handfastings since then! We’ve used climbing rope, measuring tape, handmade cords, bicycle inner tube, and yes, even a set of (real) handcuffs. We even used a bride’s veil in a group handfasting when we ran out of cord…:)
Image by Jon-Mark Photography
Lots of ways to do this, all of them chock full of love. And a way to get married that everyone will remember. Forever. I promise you that..:)
Contact me about your Handfasting Ceremony
Modern Metaphysical Minister/Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicu,m, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Campbell River.
I have been on a one-woman mission to revive Handfasting in my ceremonies — people love them — because this ritual is so accessible and tangible. It is also beautiful and gives the couple time just to be with each other… no doing, just being. Glad to see you are integrating into ceremonies. Go forth and handfast!