Hand fasting Hand Binding.

HAND BINDING/ FASTING



The concept of a Handfasting is said to have originated with the ancient Celtic culture. With the peasant class, a Handfasting was often used because the
couple was not wealthy enough to require one nor did they need one as there usually was no dowry to arrange for. Conversely with the nobility class, a Handfasting was used almost like a modern day prenuptial agreement. The Handfasting was used to signify the betrothal of the couple before the business
of the dowry and entitlement was worked out.

Today a Handfasting can be used in many similar and dissimilar ways. It can be used to signify an engagement or betrothal. Laws being as they are today, a Handfasting is an excellent way for a gay or lesbian couple to make their commitment known. Additionally a Handfasting can be added to any wedding ceremony, regardless of religion, as "tying the knot" is a universal wedding theme.
Tying the Cord
Celtic Style

The cord is wrapped thrice around the couple's Clasped hands.

Infinity Style

The cord is wrapped across your hands, one side loops around one
partners hands and the other side loops around the other partners
hands and meets back on top to be knotted. So the cords are also
formed into an infinity symbol.

Clasping Hands

Option 1

Face each other and clasp both hands right to right and left to left so
your hands make an infinity symbol. Using this option, the cords
should be removed before the end of the ceremony.

Option 2

Face each other and clasp one hand, either right to right or left to left.
This option allows your other hand to be free for the loving cup or
lighting a candle.

Option 3

Standing next to each other, your hands are bound as you hold hands.
You can remain bound until you can run off to consummate the
handfasting. This makes the reception interesting.


We perform Handfasting Wedding Ceremonies.

Handfasting wedding ceremonies are Celtic wedding rituals. It involves the tying of hands together to symbolize the coming together and remaining tied together. One possible wedding vow during the handfasting is this sample:


"As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. Woven into this cord, into its very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for your new life together. With the entwining of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last.

In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another. By this cord you are thus bound to your vow. May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last.

May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths.

Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union. Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows. Remember that it is not this physical cord, but what it represents, that keeps you together."

Ceremonies By Julzz
0427757556