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The official lens from Handfastings.org
The mission of Handfastings.org is to link people in the Pagan and Wiccan communities with ordained officiants who perform wedding ceremonies and other rites of passage unique to the earth-spiritual traditions.
What is a Handfasting?
Have an earth-spiritual wedding ceremony!
A handfasting is an old Pagan custom, dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. A handfasting was originally more like an engagement period, where two people would declare a binding union between themselves for a year and a day. The original handfasting was a trial marriage. It gave the couple the chance to see if they could survive marriage to each other. After a year and a day, the couple could either split as if they had never been married or could decide to enter permanently into marriage.
Today, Wiccans and Pagans have embraced handfasting as a part of their wedding ceremony. A handfasting can either be a legal marriage (depending on state law), or a commitment for "as long as love shall last." A handfasting ceremony can be tailor made to suit the couple.
The most well known portion of the handfasting ceremony is, of course, the tying of the knot around the bride and groom's clasped hands. The cords are symbolic of the unity of the marrying couple.
Learn more about handfastings on www.handfastings.org.
Today, Wiccans and Pagans have embraced handfasting as a part of their wedding ceremony. A handfasting can either be a legal marriage (depending on state law), or a commitment for "as long as love shall last." A handfasting ceremony can be tailor made to suit the couple.
The most well known portion of the handfasting ceremony is, of course, the tying of the knot around the bride and groom's clasped hands. The cords are symbolic of the unity of the marrying couple.
Learn more about handfastings on www.handfastings.org.
Read all about Handfastings!
Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/12/2008)
Magickal Weddings: Pagan Handfasting Traditions for Your Sacred Union
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 10/12/2008)
Handfasting (Pagan Rites of Passage)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Guides to your perfect Handfasting Ceremony
These have some great ideas
A Romantic Guide to Handfasting: Rituals, Recipes & Lore
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Tying The Knot: A Gender-Neutral Guide to Handfastings or Weddings for Pagans and Goddess Worshippers
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 10/12/2008)
Handfasting: A Practical Guide
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 10/12/2008)
Handfasting and Pagan Weddings
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
The Handfasting Ceremony
There are many variations of the traditional handfasting. After the bride and groom both declare their intent to enter into this union, the hands of the couple are clasped and fastened together with a cord or cords just before, just after, or during their vows are made to one another. The wrapping of the cord forms an infinity symbol. The handfasting knot that is tied is a symbolic representation of oneness between the couple. In a show of unity, they become bound to each other. My wedding reception
After our handfasting...
My husband and I had a beautiful handfasting ceremony. Afterwards, we had a masquerade ball reception. Here are some candid shots of us which followed.
Bride
Handfasted couple
L-O-V-E
Cutting the cake
kiss!
Day of the Dead cake...
Best man and groom w...
Best man, maid of ho...
First dance
Pinata after-party
Bride's wedding shoe...
NYCscape
The Cords
Each Wiccan and Pagan path has different decrees concerning the color, length, type and of number of cords used to handfast the couple. One custom may have the couple facing each other, binding both pairs of hands of the bride and groom. Another custom is to have only the right hands, and another one of each right and left. There are many variations of the handfasting rite. It all depends on the bride, groom, and the High Priest/ess whom they chose to preside over their wedding ceremony.
Handfasting cords come in all colors and lengths. They are often personalized for the couple. Here are a few links if you are searching for cords...
Handfasting cords come in all colors and lengths. They are often personalized for the couple. Here are a few links if you are searching for cords...
- Gaia's Handfasting Cords
- Kindra creates a custom Handfasting cord in the colors and style of your choice.
- Rose Haven Designs
- Creates personal cords using color symbolism
- The Pillaged Village
- Fancy fringed handfasting cords
- Spiral Works
- Offers silver or gold cords adorned with olive wooden beads
Handfasting cords, the perfect dress, and more
Buy items for your handfasting on eBay
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Squidoo on Weddings
...or is it weddings on Squidoo?
Catch a glimpse into some great Squidoo.com lenses about weddings.
- Fabulous updos
- For some brides, it's all about the hair (and, oh yeah, the groom).
- Neo-Pagan resource
- Okay, so this one isn't all about weddings, but it's a great resource. By the lensmaster of Updos...
- Alternative weddings
- This is definitely for the cool people. And you too.
- Master of the Toast
- Because you don't want to be known as best man, worst speech.
- Wedding Vows
- A nice variety of sample vows
Handfastings Originals on CafePress
Sponsored by Handfastings.org
Your purchase of these products helps Handfastings.org to serve our communities by linking people in the Pagan and Wiccan communities with ordained officiants who perform unique wedding ceremonies and handfastings.
More great handfasting stuff on eBay
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During a traditionally Pagan or Wiccan handfasting ceremony, a sacred circle in which the couple is to be betrothed is cast. The four directions (air, fire, water, earth) are "called," including the fifth element, Spirit. During this ceremony, each quarter of the earth is honored before the bride and groom. Then the couple blesses each other with a symbol from each element.Once this is done, the handfasting cords are tied around the couple's hands; the bride and groom make their vows to one another and are blessed by the High Priestess in the presence of the Gods and Goddesses.
The knotted cords are then slipped off the bride and groom, never to be untied. The couple usually saves the cords as a memorable keepsake from their wedding.
While having originated as a Pagan tradition from ancient Western Europe, the handfasting ceremony can be easily adapted to fit many different types of wedding ceremonies.
(Photo of Wendy Rule)
White Handfasting
A more traditional dress your style?
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