Handfasting ~ A Wedding Ritual

The term Handfasting is taken from Old Norse "hand-festa" meaning "to strike a bargain by joining hands". Handfasting is the tradition of lightly binding the hands of a couple together using a cord, rope, ribbons, a scarf, tartan or strips of fabric. It is meant to signify a couples coming together as "One". (or perhaps to keep the Groom from running away!) Whatever it's original intention, it has become a popular new tradition for today's couples seeking new and Spiritual ways to honour their love.

Handfasting was originally practiced by the Greeks and Romans. The Romans created a garland made of magnolia, elder and roses. It was then wrapped around the couple's wrists to signify love and fidelity. In ancient legends, lovers were united together as they "tied the knot" in the tradition of Celtic handfasting. The ceremony was especially common in Ireland and Scotland. It was commonly the way that couples were "officially" married before the church became involved in Wedding ceremonies. Variations on the theme have since been used in other countries as well. Handfasting has seen a modern day resurgence owing in part to the movie Braveheart,in which William Wallace and his girlfriend Murron are joined together with a handfasting ceremony. This has especially been true in Scotland where the movie is based.

Photo: Handfasting during a civil ceremony in Ukraine. The cloth is a ceremonial rushnyk decorated with traditional Ukrainian embroidery.

In the traditions of Celtic handfasting the couple's wrists are bound together using ribbons of thirteen different colours. Each colour has it's own special meaning:

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

Colour list provided by the Reverend David James of Mt. Kisco, NY.
Article source: My Spiritual Wedding

Handfasting is non religion specific, in other words, it is not Pagan or Christian, however it has become a favoured Wedding ceremony for Wiccans and Pagan groups. Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies may involve different rituals such as forming a circle with stones, flowers or crystals. A ritual used in some Pagan, Wiccan and also Christian ceremonies, has the couple jumping over a broom. Jumping over the broom represents crossing over a threshold into a new life together.

You can buy this beautiful Handfasting Certificate... Copyright: My Spiritual Wedding

Celebrate your wedding day - these "We Tied the Knot" ribbons are the perfect way to top off your reception and favor decorations. Available in a huge selection of colours.Printing will have approximately 1" - 2" (3cm-5cm) between repeating message and will read from left to right. Shipped uncut on roll.

4 Sizes:

* #228: 16.75m Roll 1cm Wide
* #232: 91.4m Roll 1cm Wide
* #234: 16.75m Roll 1.6cm Wide
* #236: 91.4m Roll 1.6cm Wide

The more, the merrier! We're talking about Kate Aspen's stunning, personalized satin ribbon in 100 ft spools! You can cut it to the perfect size for personalizing favors or tying up your table napkins with a ribbon and bow, making the day yours alone!

Handfasting Ribbon Set

The ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting is a wonderful way for couples (Irish or not!) to symbolize a commitment and eternal bond during a wedding ceremony. Each of the thirteen colorful ribbons has a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity and energy. The ribbons measure 3/8 inch wide, 3 feet long and arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Large Handfasting Ribbon Set

The ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting is a wonderful way for couples (Irish or not!) to symbolize a commitment and eternal bond during a wedding ceremony. Each of the thirteen colorful ribbons has a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity and energy. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Irish Love Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Incorporate an ancient Celtic ritual into your ceremony with this handfasting set, exclusive to My Spiritual Wedding. The set includes a pewter love knot brooch and thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 3/8 inch wide, 3 feet long and arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Large Irish Love Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Incorporate an ancient Celtic ritual into your ceremony with this handfasting set, exclusive to My Spiritual Wedding. The set includes a pewter love knot brooch and thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Celtic Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Rich with tradition and symbolism, handfasting is a very special addition to your wedding ceremony and a wonderful way to honor your Irish heritage. This Celtic Knot Set is made just for us with a sterling silver brooch and thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 3/8 inch wide, 3 feet long and arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Large Celtic Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Rich with tradition and symbolism, handfasting is a very special addition to your wedding ceremony and a wonderful way to honor your Irish heritage. This Celtic Knot Set is an exclusive design with a sterling silver brooch and thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons

Large Tree Pentacle Handfasting Ribbon Set
Rich with tradition and symbolism, handfasting is a very special addition to your wedding ceremony. This Tree Pentacle set is made just for My Spiritual Wedding with a sterling silver pendant representing protection, well being, life and growth. And thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.
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Large Wheel of the Year Handfasting Ribbon Set
Rich with tradition and symbolism, handfasting is a very special addition to your wedding ceremony. This set is made just for My Spiritual Wedding with a 1.5" sterling silver or copper pendant representing the Wiccan Wheel of the Year with each of the earth's 8 festivals depicted, and thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.
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Trinity Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Handfasting can be a meaningful, memorable addition to your wedding ceremony and it's a wonderful way to honor your Irish heritage. This set is exclusive to My Spiritual Wedding with thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy and a solid sterling silver brooch with a tri-color finish. The ribbons measure 3/8 inch wide, 3 feet long and arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Large Trinity Knot Handfasting Ribbon Set

Handfasting can be a meaningful, memorable addition to your wedding ceremony and it's a wonderful way to honor your Irish heritage. This set is exclusive to My Spiritual Wedding with thirteen colorful ribbons each with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity or energy and a solid sterling silver brooch with a tri-color finish. The ribbons measure 7/8 inch wide, 4 feet long and arrive in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Clear plastic bubble tube features "We Tied the Knot" in white and heart-shaped top. 14-oz.

Package of 24 for 16.95 works out to only 71 cents each!