Are you looking to incorporate some Celtic traditions into your special day, or possibly just looking for something “different” to add to your ceremony? One detail many couples turn to is handfasting. Couples love the visual representation that handfasting provides; it is literally “tying the knot” right in front of your friends and family. And, with some creativity and planning, the handfasting can be a truly meaningful keepsake for your wedding and heirloom to pass on to your children later.

HISTORY
Dating back to ancient Celtic times, handfasting was, in the simplest of terms, the official wedding of the ancient Celts. Dating back far beyond 7000 B.C. in ancient Ireland, two people who chose to be married were brought together, often on a feast day such as Beltane, and faced each other. With arms extended, they clasped hands and a braided chord or ribbon was wrapped and tied around their hands, the Druid priest proclaiming the two persons are now engaged. This period of engagement would typically run the length of a full year, during which the couple were encouraged to cohabitate together (and consummate the relationship). It was a public declaration of intent to marry, signaling to potential suitors that the woman was intended to her betrothed and not to be harassed. After the period of a year was over, the engaged couple would return to the priest and declare their intent to be married, which would follow soon after. If they decided they were not a good match, the couple were allowed to dissolve their handfast and be free to choose another suitor and bride.

As Celtic culture spread from Ireland and Scotland through Britain and into western Europe, so did the customs of marriage. Handfasting became a staple of culture where all Celtic people resided, up through the introduction of Christianity. As Christian marriage ritual began to take over, some elements of the Celts remained, including handfasting.

THE CHORD
Handfasting involves the part that is actually tied into a knot — called the “chord.” Traditionally it was made of rope or dyed cloth. Today it can be anything from silky ribbons, thick or thin chords, fabric taken from heirloom dresses, or basically anything that could be theoretically tied around two hands. The resulting product is usually around a yard in length, allowing for it to be wrapped about the hands a couple, mimicking the Celtic knot pattern.

THE NUMBER
There is no set rule as to how many ribbons or chords can be used in this. For logistical purposes, you might not want to use something terribly heavy or some kind of scratchy material that will irritate the skin. But any amount will work. Some couples prefer for the ribbons to be symbolic; they will have one ribbon represent each of their children for example. Other couples will conceptualize their wishes for each other in their marriage; each ribbon is symbolic for that particular wish. Many, though, settle on the number 3. As is said in Ecclesiastes: “Though one may prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Pagan Celts also strongly believed in the number 3.

WHO TIES IT
Traditionally, as your Officiant I would tie the handfasting chord, but if there is someone special you would like to do it instead — parents, family, children — please let me know, and we can make arrangements. There is no set “rule” for this; traditionally anyone in the village could be the witness who tied the hand-fast.

AFTER THE CEREMONY
Usually the handfast chord is left tied to the couple; they are encouraged to slip it off with most of it still tied if possible. Some couples place it around their unity candle (if using) while others simply bring it home and frame it or place in a keepsake box.

Handfasting is really a lovely tradition, seeped deeply in Celtic history that has every place in your dream wedding.