Hand Ceremony

I just read a past post about this. Does anyone know if this is a religious thing? I am having a jewish ceremony - not so religious though. I am not sure if I can incorporate this b/c I think I like it but I don't want to offend my more religious relatives. TIA

I'm not sure what you mean by a hand ceremony, but I'm pretty sure that it is religious.
Can you post a link to the post?

eta: I read the first post on the bottom of the screen from SweetCin704 named
'Hand Ceremony...help'
It seems that it can be done anywhere in the ceremony.
HTH

Here's the words:


These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

The hand ceremony isn't really tied to any particular religion or faith. The words are more of a blessing of sorts as couple enters marriage. It speaks of the two people who are to be wed and what they promise to each other as they commit their lives to one another. As you can read from the words, it can apply to all people of all faiths. It can be read by your officiant or a close friend.

It can also be tailored to your relationship so that the words suit the two of you. I'm having a family friend read this at our ceremony.

The Hand Ceremony:

BRIDE'S NAME, please face GROOM'S NAME, and hold his
hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are
to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and
strong and vibrant with love that are holding yours on
your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the
days of his life. These are the hands that will work
along side yours, as together you build your future,
as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost
secrets and dreams. These are the hands you will place
with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too,
feels his child stir within you. These are the hands
that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle
as he holds your baby for the first time. These are
the hands that will work long hours for you and your
new family. These are that hands that will
passionately love you and cherish you through the
years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the
hands that will countless times wipe the tears from
your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are
the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold
you when fear or grief is in your mind. These are the
hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your
cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes:
eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming
love and desire for you.



GROOM'S NAME, please hold BRIDE'S NAME hands, palms
up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young
and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding
day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all
the days of her life. These are the hands that will
hold each child in tender love, soothing them through
illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them
along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you
neck and back in the evenings after you've both had a
long hard day. These are the hands that will hold you
tight as you struggle through difficult times. These
are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick,
or console you when you are grieving. They are the
hands that will passionately love you and cherish you
through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These
are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement
and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have
another child that together you have created a new
life. These are the hands that will give you support
as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. And
lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled
and aged will be reaching for yours, still giving you
the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Hi I love the Hand Ceremony...I wonder if they will do it in the Catholic Church?


The Hand Ceremony

Bride-, please face -Groom- and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief fills you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

-Groom-, please hold -Bride- hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the year, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams.
Our prayer for you today is that both of you will use these hands to build a marriage where all your dreams come true.