As you navigate planning your wedding, you are sure to come across the phrase “Tying the Knot,” but did you know this casual figure of speech stems from the ritual of Handfasting? Handfasting was known in Celtic times as a legally binding way for couples to be married.
This tradition has not been lost; in fact Handfasting is quite popular and a deeply symbolic way to add greater meaning to your connection on your special day.
What is Handfasting, for those of us who are new to this?
Handfasting: A unity ceremony in marriage where a couple is tied together by their hands using rope or ribbon, may also include vow exchange or a blessing
Location: Lovers Knoll, Sedona, AZ
Couple: Christina & Zsolt
There are different spins and symbolism tied to the timeless ritual of Handfasting:
- The action of Tying the Knot symbolizes your commitment to each other literally and figuratively as a rope (or ribbon) is used to bond your wrists together as you simultaneously merge your lives together.
- Honoring the embodiment of Bonding or the “Tying of Your Souls.” You can add a blessing while fastened as a couple or you could use this time to say your vows to one another while fastened, magnifying the intention and connection.
- The type of knot you use can also have meaning:
- As an example, couples can choose an Infinity Knot to represent eternity or a Fisherman’s Knot to represent strength in the face of adversity.
There are so many ways to personalize your wedding ceremony. Adding a unity ritual is a gorgeous way to do so and it doesn’t take a lot of extra moving parts.
I absolutely love to include special moments that reflect YOUR love and YOUR lifestyle in your wedding day! If you’d like to include a unique touch with a unity ceremony like Handfasting, it would be my pleasure to make that happen for you.
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to add Handfasting rituals into beautiful wedding ceremonies in the past for my clients. Take a look!
