A Simple Handfasting Ceremony Script
- THE PROCESSION. Beginning of the Handfasting Ceremony.
- THE INVOCATION. "Dearest friends and family, We've come here to show these two beautiful people our love and support today!
- DECLARATION OF INTENT. ...
- VOWS & RING EXCHANGE. ...
- HANDFASTING AND CLOSING WORDS. ...
- PRONOUNCEMENT. ...
When do you do the handfasting in a wedding?
a) we do the handfasting and then the couple say their vows in their chosen style with their hands fastened, or b) we do the handfasting immediately after the vows and before we pronounce the couple as married and they kiss with their hands fastened. 2. Explain the symbolism of the ritual in the ceremony
What is the script for a handfasting ceremony?
A Simple Handfasting Ceremony Script 1 THE PROCESSION. Beginning of the Handfasting Ceremony. 2 THE INVOCATION. "Dearest friends and family, We've come here to show these two beautiful people our love and support today! 3 DECLARATION OF INTENT. ... 4 VOWS & RING EXCHANGE. ... 5 HANDFASTING AND CLOSING WORDS. ...
What are handfasting vows?
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. Additionally, it can be great for any nervous to-be-weds, since holding hands with your S.O. can offer comfort and reassurance.
How do you handfast a couple?
Again, a Google search on handfasting will turn up all sorts of permutations on ways to do this – dozens of combinations on whether the couple cross hands, hold two hands, just use one hand each, and all the various knots and ties. If your couple have very specific wishes around this, just ask them and they’ll take care of narrowing it down.
What is said during handfasting ceremony?
A symbol of our hearts entwined. To witness this, we ask of thee, Our union forever blessed be." These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
How do you end a handfasting ceremony?
The handfasting ceremony can be performed at any time during the ceremony, but it's usually conducted right before the ring exchange. That way, you're able to say your vows to each other while bound together and then finish off the ceremony with your rings.
How do you introduce a hand fast?
Ask the couple to hold one of each other's hands – the hands farthest away from the officiant as they face each other. The arms closest to the officiant can relax by their sides. Drape the ribbon or cord over their clasped hands. Say a few words (see the sample below).
What does Handfasted wife mean?
1 archaic : betrothal. 2 : an irregular or probationary marriage contracted by joining hands and agreeing to live together as man and wife also : the living together under such an agreement.
How long does a handfasting ceremony last?
around ten minutesHow Long Should a Handfasting Ceremony Last? Again, because the handfasting ceremony is directed by the couple, they decide how long it should be. If you choose to incorporate your vows throughout the experience, it will likely last around ten minutes, Nathan estimates.
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.
How many cords are in a handfasting ceremony?
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.
Is handfasting Irish or Scottish?
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that dates back to 7000 B.C. Traditionally, when two people were brought to be married, a cord or piece of material was used to bind the couple's hands together during the ceremony.
Who officiates a handfasting ceremony?
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.
Is handfasting the same as marriage?
From about the 12th to the 17th century, "handfasting" in England was simply a term for "engagement to be married", or a ceremony held on the occasion of such a contract, usually about a month prior to a church wedding, at which the marrying couple formally declared that each accepted the other as spouse.
How long should handfasting ribbons be?
Your cord should be long enough to loop over both wrists as well as being able to make the knots. We've read that if you are using a single cord, that a generic rule of length is ideally no less than 6 feet.
What do you wear to a Pagan wedding?
What to Wear. Ideally, your invitation will give you a hint, but odds are your Pagan wedding won't involve traditional suits and cocktail dresses for the guests. An outdoor wedding is a good bet. When in doubt, opt for natural fibers and earth tones with a splash of color.
How many ribbons 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.
What is an anvil blessing?
Anvil Blessings are conducted by our Blacksmiths Guides are an informal blessing, not an official renewal of your wedding vows. If you would like more information about formal vow renewals, which are a religious ceremony officiated by a minister, please contact our weddings team.
How long should handfasting ribbons be?
Your cord should be long enough to loop over both wrists as well as being able to make the knots. We've read that if you are using a single cord, that a generic rule of length is ideally no less than 6 feet.
What is sand pouring?
Two people take sand from their individual vessels and combine the grains into one. The act represents the joining of two individuals and the creation of a new union and family. The joined vessel symbolizes the marriage of both partners' hopes, dreams, and values.
Handfasting Ceremony 1
As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound.Woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family,...
Handfasting Ceremony 2
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other.As you seek to enter this s...
Handfasting Ceremony 3
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other.As you seek to enter this s...
What is handfasting ceremony?
Handfasting Ceremony. A handfasting ceremony is an ancient marriage ritual. Today, a handfasting ceremony is a beautiful and unique way to represent your union and honor your heritage. The ritual takes place during the ceremony, before the rings are exchanged.
What should you strive to do when entering a state of matrimony?
As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
What are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes?
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
What are the three directions of the cardinals?
It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
What does "may the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths" mean?
As any child discovers when they are learning to tie their own shoes, the first move is to cross the ends. As your hands are bound by this cord, so is your partnership held by the symbol of this knot.
What should you wear to a handfasting ceremony?
Some couples choose to wear more traditional Scottish garb, or Pagan robes, or to include some nods to nature in their looks (flower crowns for example), but there are no rules. Wear whatever you’d like!
Why Have a Handfasting at Your Wedding?
Handfasting ceremonies are a traditional and optically beautiful ritual, that can also allow some couples to connect with their Celtic or Viking roots. Some couples are even traveling abroad to Scotland or Ireland to have their handfasting wedding rituals performed.
How long should your handfasting cords be?
Your handfasting cords should be at least a meter long each and no more than two meters long, allowing for enough room to tie the knot, but not so long that they’re burdensome. The optics of having nice, long cords is a really beautiful affect, in my opinion. You’ll see a video in Step #7 that shows how to tie the infinity knot.
How should you choose the colors of the handfasting cords?
There’s a part of the sample script in Step #1 where the cords are presented by your family members, one cord from each family. It’s a great opportunity to include a special family member in your handfasting ceremony as a representative!
What can guests wear to a wedding?
Guests can also wear what they would normally wear to any other wedding. If it’s a Pagan or Wiccan handfasting ceremony, there may be an indication of the dress code on the invitation!
How many cords are used for handfasting?
A common number of cords to use for a handfasting ceremony is three, because it allows the couple have a cord each to represent their two families, plus one cord to represent their new life together.
What is the best way to renew vows?
A handfasting ceremony is actually an amazing choice for a vow renewal because you won’t have to do a ring exchange, and so you could take the extra time that you have to make the handfasting a bit longer or more elaborate.
How Do You Perform a Handfasting Ceremony?
Because there is no 'right' way to do this, the duo getting hitched can decide what works for their personal preference. "There are several ways to wrap the hands during the ceremony. It can be as simple as wrapping around a single knot to tying them into a stunning infinity knot," Collins continues. "Your officiant should be able to help you decide which is best for you."
How Long Should a Handfasting Ceremony Last?
Again, because the handfasting ceremony is directed by the couple, they decide how long it should be. If you choose to incorporate your vows throughout the experience, it will likely last around ten minutes, Nathan estimates. But, if you are simply doing the tying knots only, Collins estimates no more than three to five minutes.
What Do the Colors in the Handfasting Cords Represent?
While Nathan says these are the most common definitions associated with handfasting ceremonies, some couples will give different meanings based on their personal relationship. Say, for example, the color 'purple' was the bride's mother's favorite hue, she may select that one as a nod to her own family member. How many should you pick? A handful—or should we say, an armful? "My couples, if they choose to have the color of the cords included in the ceremony, usually pick one or two or maybe three meanings per color, not all of them," Collins shares.
What Are Handfasting Cords Made Of?
Traditionally, Collins says the cords are created out of elastic material that is woven together with other colors and then tied. If you want, you can customize them and change the material to lace or ribbon or incorporate all of them. Collins says some choose to add Celtic knots, gold leaves, entwined trees, or other meaningful symbols. "We have seen some newlyweds use fabric that is handed down in their families to have a more personalized experience ," she adds.
What is the significance of handfasting?
In fact, handfasting expert and designer Oleta Collins explained when it first originated, duos needed to wear the ribbon for a year and a day, and then decide if they would like to stay married.
What does the cord mean in marriage?
By using carefully-selected cords of various colors that represent different promises to one another , couples begin the start of their married life—quite literally—tied together.
Where did handfasting originate?
Lindsay freelances for a plethora of publications, covering many topics, ranging from wedding advice and planning to travel, health and more. Originating in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries, a handfasting ceremony was a way to make a contract with your beloved. In other words: marry him or her.
THE INVOCATION
"Dearest friends and family, We've come here to show these two beautiful people our love and support today! To celebrate them as they join their lives together in marriage. Marriage isn't something to be entered into lightly. The uniting of two paths into a single journey asks us to be thoughtful, intentional, and honest.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
" [PARTNER A], do you come here today to marry [PARTNER B], and to join your path with theirs?"
VOWS & RING EXCHANGE
" [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now exchange rings, and the words they've written for each other. These words are promises they make to each other, to keep each day of their lives together."
HANDFASTING AND CLOSING WORDS
This script offers two variations for closing words: Spiritual or Secular / Non Spiritual Officiant to the GATHERING Spiritual:
PRONOUNCEMENT
Officiant to the Reception "By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of [STATE NAME], I now pronounce you married!"
When was the handfasting ceremony?
The History and Meaning of a Handfasting Ceremony. The handfasting ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In ancient Ireland, when two people chose to be married, they were brought together to have a braided cord or ribbon tied around their hands in the presence of a priest.
What is handfasting in Celtic?
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.
How to do a wedding ceremony?
This statement often includes the notion of the couple binding their lives together and the union of their hopes and desires. The officiant then invites the couple to join hands , which symbolizes their free will to enter into the marriage. From here, the officiant reads a series of vows as cords are wrapped around the couple's hands. You could opt to use a separate cord for each vow, or twist or braid together a few cords and wrap them as one around your hands. Then, your officiant may make an additional statement about the completion of the binding and the commitment it symbolizes. After your hands are bound, you can proceed to exchange additional vows or use your handfasting as the vows you'll exchange and move directly to the ring exchange .
What to do after hands are bound?
After your hands are bound, you can proceed to exchange additional vows or use your handfasting as the vows you'll exchange and move directly to the ring exchange. 45 Fascinating Wedding Traditions From Around the World.
What is unity ritual?
Unity rituals are a great way to add an extra layer of meaning to your wedding ceremony before exchanging rings and vows. From lighting candles to layering colors of sand, there's a wedding ceremony ritual to fit every couple's style. One of the most popular options is the handfasting ceremony.
How should your hands be tied?
How should the hands be tied? Many opt to cross hands, taking your partner's right hand in your right hand and their left hand in your left hand. You could also opt to stand next to one another, joining one of your right hands with the other's left, and have your hands bound that way, around your wrists.
Which hand do you cross with your partner?
Many opt to cross hands, taking your partner's right hand in your right hand and their left hand in your left hand.
What Is the Timeframe for the Ceremony?
The most common time for handfasting to occur during a wedding is during the exchange of the vows. After the ordained minister explains what the different elements of the ritual symbolize and the couple's hands are bound together, the vows are either read by the officiant or recited by the couple. The ties may remain through the rest of the service.
What Does the Ritual Signify?
The tying of material around the hands of the couple gives a visual representation of their bond. There is no particular material required, but the couple may choose whatever signifies their bond most accurately. For example, some use different colored ribbons, with each color symbolizing a different aspect of their union. Others choose natural garlands as a nod to Mother Earth or braided cords to represent the strength of their relationship.
What does the ribbon on a handfasting symbol mean?
In joining hands, [Partner A] and [Partner B] symbolize how they freely offer their lives to one another. And in fastening their hands together, the ribbon symbolizes how [Partner A] and [Partner B] leave this place today with lives now bound up together. How after today, an idea of two stories come together and two sets of hopes and desires for the future are joined in commitment and intention.
How to tie a knot for officiant?
The arms closest to the officiant can relax by their sides. Drape the ribbon or cord over their clasped hands. Say a few words (see the sample below). Loop each end of the ribbon or cord over their hands once , then tie a knot underneath their hands.
How to tie a ribbon for a wedding?
3. Tie a ribbon or cord around the couple’s hands 1 Ask the couple to hold one of each other’s hands – the hands farthest away from the officiant as they face each other. The arms closest to the officiant can relax by their sides. 2 Drape the ribbon or cord over their clasped hands. 3 Say a few words (see the sample below). 4 Loop each end of the ribbon or cord over their hands once, then tie a knot underneath their hands.
Why do the Celts decorate their Christmas trees?
Once a year on the day before the winter solstice, the Celts would decorate their town’s central sacred tree by hanging fruit from its boughs as a symbol of life. Christians saw this, and they tied it into the Tree of Life story in their book of Genesis. Next thing you know (okay, more like after a few centuries), we’re all dragging Christmas trees into our living rooms and throwing decorations on them every December (if you’re into that sorta thing).
What to do if your couple has specific wishes?
If your couple have very specific wishes around this, just ask them and they’ll take care of narrowing it down.
Why are symbols important in weddings?
A wedding is largely about symbols; symbols are important and helpful, because they make an idea and a value concrete and physical – something we can see and touch. They’re helpful because they serve as a powerful reminder of a time and a place and a memory – a feeling and even a promise – that may have faded over time.
Is handfasting a ceremony?
A handfasting ceremony is nothing to be intimidated by. In fact, it’s a privilege to facilitate one of the world’s oldest and best-known wedding rituals in a moving and contemporary way.