Mike Warren Celebrant

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What is Handfasting?

Many couples now look into planning a wedding ceremony with hints of traditional and unique aspects with a modern-day twist.

Handfasting is becoming a popular symbolic ritual to include, and originates from ancient Celtic and Pagan traditions and is where the phrase ‘Tying the Knot’ comes from.

There are many ways to tailor this ceremony to suit the purpose of why you have chosen to include it, but generally the couple will place their palms together, and with each spoken promise or given virtue, the cord is wrapped around the hands. The ceremony is then made complete with the tying of a knot to form an eternal loop in the material, before the hands are released and the loop is taken home to be kept as a visual reminder of their bond.

Couples can use multiple coloured cords or ribbons that are plaited together.  The colour of the cords can very much depend on a few factors of the wedding day and the couple. Some people prefer to go for the same colour scheme as their wedding day. And another detail is to have colours representing the couples personalities or family members such as the parents.

As the ribbons are presented and tied, the celebrant shares words and emphases the symbolic meaning of each one in turn.

This beautiful ritual can also involve members of your family and close friends, as they are asked to come forward and assist in adding their own cords to the finished piece. Ending this ritual by literally ‘tying the knot’ is always welcomed by your guests and celebrated with a chorus of claps and joyful cheers.

 

If you would like to include a handfasting ritual to add that extra touch of magic to your wedding ceremony, get in touch with Mike Warren on 07730 555191.