Handfasting Ceremony
TO BE or KNOT TO BE
An ancient Celtic tradition that dates back 2000 years, hand fasting is becoming a popular symbol of unity at many weddings.
Handfasting ceremonies originated in rural Scotland and represent, quite literally, the binding of two people who are in love and committed to spending their lives together. As the hands are bound together, the ceremony emphasizes that the couple’s lives are now bound together as well.
The hands of the couple are tied together using a carefully-selected cord, ribbon, tartan, or embroidered cloth. This ritual confirms that the two partners on this journey will forever walk “hand-in-hand” and turns out to be the origin of the phrase “tying the knot”!