Historical Handfasting

 

 

The term Handfasting  from the old Norse Hǻnd festa and the Anglo Saxon word handfaestung both meaning ‘to strike a bargain by joining hands’. This is likely the source of the action of clasping arms and later to shake hands.                                                                                

Historically, a handfasting ceremony bound two people together for a year and a day, as a  promise marry. They did this by simply holding hands in front of witnesses and making a verbal promise.  As time went on and, a ceremony was created with the act of binding or making Fast the hands of the couple  with a rope or ribbon and its meaning changed to be the wedding not just the engagement 

The beauty of a Handfasting ceremony is that it can take place in any location. You could choose an  inside  venue or outdoors in a garden or wood, or even on the beach. It has been  noted historically to have taken place on horseback. The most popular location traditionally, is in the bride’s home.

Handfasting continued in England until the marriage act of 1754, which aimed to stop any ‘clandestine marriages’, by setting the common laws which eventually made Gretna Green famous! Today, the ceremony of handfasting with its ritual of binding hands with cord, rope or ribbon that can be specially made from meaningful fabrics, such as a piece of lace from a grandparent’s wedding dress, or the tartan of the clan for example, is a lovely visual element to add to a wedding by tying the knot for all to see. As an independent celebrant, it would be my pleasure to help you put your own magical handfasting ceremony together. Whether you are looking for the full ancient ritual which includes calling the quarters or a more simplistic ceremony, I am more than happy to guide you through what fits you best.

 

https://www.gretnagreen.com/the-tradition-of-handfasting-a1015