I’ve written before about Hand Tying but, today I felt a surge of love and the need to share with you more
handfasting information.
Handfasting ceremony
Handfasting is an ancient tradition derived from pagan roots. It involves tying cords around the joined hands of the bride and groom. This could be where we get “tying the knot” from! This ritual is a beautiful and symbolic alternative or addition to a wedding ceremony and might take place alongside the exchange of vows or after, towards the end of the ceremony to ‘tie in’ or ‘bind’ the promises you have made to each other
The ritual can involve any types or cord. ribbon or fabric and include members of your congregation (see the link to the previous post). The resultant knot provides a wonderful keepsake of your wedding day. Think about the colours you use as well as the fabric of your handfasting cords. Use materials significant to you. Feel free to weave in jewels and beads, flowers etc. Don’t be afraid to get creative and be unique!
Also, you can choose the kind of knot you wish to tie your hands into. Knots can carry a different symbolic meaning, for example, Infinity Knots, Fisherman’s Knots, and Trinity Knots. So, see which of these fits you and your partner best!
Colours and their meanings
- Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility
- Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, bounty
- Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance
- Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health
- Blue: tranquillity, patience, devotion, sincerity
- Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality
- Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
- White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
- Gray: neutrality, cancelling, balance
- Pink: unity, honour, truth, romance, happiness
- Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home
- Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration
- Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity
Knots and their Meanings
Infinity Knot
The infinity knot, also known as the endless knot, is a symbol that represents the interconnectedness and interdependence
Fisherman’s Knot
It is meant to symbolize the strength of their bond. The fisherman’s knot is one of the strongest knots and is unlikely to break.
Trinity Knot
Trinity Knots are symbol of eternity, faith, love and commitment worldwide.
Guides to making your own Cords
Taking into account all the above, the only other requirement is length, aim for about 6 foot ( 1.8meters).
Remember the celebrant needs to be able to tie them so don’t make them so chunky they cant be knotted!
Gather your chosen materials together and knot them at one end
Plat them
As you do so, feel free to weave in any beads or amulets
Leave tassels at the end and decorate these with personalised symbols (or not – and keep it simple)
Think about the type of handfasting you want and how many people you want involved – for example, if you have 20 people coming up to lay a ribbon, make them lighter as they will be gathered together when the knot is being tied
Remember…
The only time the cords are to be dismantled/unknotted is in the case of a hand parting, so please remember that anything you use to decorate your cord is to remain with it for as long as you are bound to each other.
If you are using a single cord, why not create or buy something decorative like these ones I love to recommend Ceotha – handfasting Cords
