Ever wonder where the expression “tying the knot” came from?
A handfasting ceremony is an ancient marriage ritual made popular in Ireland and Scotland. The bride and groom stand facing each other holding hands and they are bound by a ceremonial cord or ribbon. This is where the familiar expression, “tying the knot” came from. 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.
1. Pick ribbons and ropes of varying textures and materials that match the colors of your wedding that are about 36″-48″ in length.
2. During the ceremony, have the officiant introduce the concept of handfasting so your guests can appreciate its history and significance.
3. Stand facing each other and cross your arms in front of one another. Now, hold partner’s hands so that together your arms create a figure-eight, the symbol for infinity.
4. You can either recite vows as given in the example below,
Binding of Hands
(Bride) and (Groom), I bid you look into each other eyes. Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor? (We will) the first cord is draped over the couples’ hands. And so the binding is made.
Will you support and assist each other in times of pain and sorrow?
(We will) second cord is draped over the couples’ hands. And so the binding is made
Will you be present in the difficult and challenging times so that you may grow strong in this union? (We will) third cord is draped over the couples’ hands. And so the binding is made
Will you share each others laughter and joy, and look for the brightness and fun in life, and the positive in each other? (We will) fourth cord is draped over couples’ hands. And so the binding is made
Is it your intention to bring peace and harmony into your every day ways of communicating? (We will) fifth cord is draped over the couples’ hands. And so the binding is made
And when you falter, will you have the courage and commitment to remember these promises and take a step back towards one another with an open heart? (We will) sixth cord is draped over the couples’ hands. And so the binding is made
or you can have your officiant speak while taking the ribbon and tying it around your wrists and through your hands to bind the vows the two of you together. The example below might be used or your own vows that you would like.
(Bride) and (Groom), as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.
After the ceremony, be sure to keep the ribbons! Use them in creative ways such as wrapping them around your photo album, guest book, or display in a shadow box for the two of you to enjoy and remember your special day.
Handfasting Ribbon Colors And The Meaning of Each Color
- Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility
- Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, plenty
- Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance
- Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health
- Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity
- Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality
- Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
- White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
- Gray: neutrality, canceling, balance
- Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness
- Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home
- Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration
- Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity