Symbolic Saturday – Handfasting

Symbolic Saturday’s present an opportunity to highlight symbolic elements you might want to consider including in your wedding ceremony. #symbolicsaturday

Handfast: To make a contract of marriage between (parties) by joining of hands; to betroth (two persons, or one person to another)

— Oxford English Dictionary.

Have you ever wondered where the term ‘tying the knot’ comes from? The ancient Celtic act of Handfasting is the symbolic act of a couple’s hands being tied together, often with cords or ribbons, representing their union. It quite literally means ‘tying the knot!’

For modern-day couples who choose to be handfasted, it is usually the main focus of their wedding ceremony. Some couples choose to be handfasted as an alternative to exchanging rings or combine both a handfasting with exchanging rings.

The cords or ribbons can be personalised and include charms or meaningful symbols. It’s also a great way to include family and friends in your ceremony as they can wrap ribbons around your hand and share words of wisdom.