Handfasting Ceremony?

it is a ceremony that was done typically during the medieval times. Then associated with folk magic then pagan/wiccan religions.

Honestly its a really amazing tradition that reinforces the fact you BIND each other together by wrapping your arms together. I only know one girl who did this and that was vintagegirl from 07 board. I wanted to incorporate it to our ceremony but fh was against it.

Honestly its a really amazing tradition that reinforces the fact you BIND each other together by wrapping your arms together. I only know one girl who did this and that was vintagegirl from 07 board. I wanted to incorporate it to our ceremony but fh was against it.

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I did binding of hands together...it was part of a bi-ethnic ceremony we did. We had 2 embroidered pieces of cloth...one was new & the other was old (made by my paternal grandmother). We tied our hands together with the old one...symbolizing us becoming one...under the tradition and history of our families. In the meanwhile we stepped together on the new one...which hopefully we will be able to use for our children... symbolizing us taking a step into a common new world....This was part of my tradition.

For his tradition we also did a crowing with string of 3 colors (symbolizing the glory and honor with which God crowns man and woman as King and Queen of the family) and the drinking from the common cup (which reminds of the miracle at Cana, symbolizes the sharing of life...be it sweet or sour...to the last drop...our wine was sweet that day)...though this also fits under my traditions...his priest did them in his way.

It was a very beautiful ceremony. It meant so much to the two of us...but required lots of research & participation of 2 flexible priests. You def need a guide to the mass...and patient family...because a lot of it wasn't in English.

And here's a disclaimer: I'm not THAT religious...but I felt that it was important to have parts in my ceremony that were very cultural.

ZNYCgirl

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I wanted to incorporate it to our ceremony but fh was against it.

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What were his reasons? I'm hearing such different ideas about this. And like I said, I love the symbolism, but in no way do I want my guests to think that I am a Pagan, Wiccan or other fringe religious thinker.

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Posted by siffleuse319

ZNYCgirl

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I wanted to incorporate it to our ceremony but fh was against it.

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What were his reasons? I'm hearing such different ideas about this. And like I said, I love the symbolism, but in no way do I want my guests to think that I am a Pagan, Wiccan or other fringe religious thinker.

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No...my husband was not against it....I quoted the quote before mine...he loved the symbolism & wanted to do something different, memorable & special. We went to one or two weddings that had done something similar & he was very touched my the meaningfulness of it.

You would be surprised to the associations...I'm Catholic...the binding is a slavic tradition that used to be practiced in Catholic Churches more often...but probably comes from before then. Crowning & the drinking from the cup are also Catholic. The crowning (as per my priest) is the actual moment you become married. If you like the symbolism...do your research, ask your priest & go for it. As far as I know: the Catholics, Orthodox & Apostolic religions do parts of the traditions mentioned above.

We only heard positive things about our ceremony (though I'm sure it was pretty long).

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Posted by nifheim

it is a ceremony that was done typically during the medieval times. Then associated with folk magic then pagan/wiccan religions.

Honestly its a really amazing tradition that reinforces the fact you BIND each other together by wrapping your arms together. I only know one girl who did this and that was vintagegirl from 07 board. I wanted to incorporate it to our ceremony but fh was against it.

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From what I understand
ahhh Its not wiccan.. It was something was done because the lower class societies in Medieval history could not afford rings..then I read something it was something about how 'tying the Knot' term was created from the fact you literally tie the knot at the ceremony after the handfasting is done..
.. the knot that is made from the handfasting should be untied after the one year anniversary is reached. . the tradition is that you untie it and think of a wish..

I think there are some Pagan ties to it, however if you do it it doesn't automatically make you 'Pagan' or 'Wiccan'
Its merely a ceremonal symbolism of the relationship.

WOW never seen it but does sound interesting. Hopefully one day i'll see it first hand.

If you like it go for it. Are you getting married at an RH? or a church? im guessing RH bc otherwise you probably wouldn't think about this lol

FH & I are doing this. Our officiant suggested it. We think it is a great idea. Since we are not having a big bridal party we are choosing 2 people to complete it for us

yea its not a pagan or wiccan thing just they do it now in most ceremonies for weddings typically. I was a practicing gal years ago but no longer. A few friends who are hardcore witches had it at their ceremonies.

Wanted to make clear - its not a thing you do and it means your a witch. Its a old custom like vintage said (more peasant) to bind the two together.

I have to say people have more interesting cultural backgrounds on this ceremony then I ever knew.