Handfasting is a term used by many people to mean a Pagan, usually referring to Wiccan, marriage ceremony. This name comes from a common ceremony that involves binding the couple's hands together with specially prepared cords. There is no set handfasting ceremony, these rituals are very personal and usually written by the couple. Some handfastings are "trial marriages" which last for a year and a day, some are life long marriages that are legally binding, and some are personal, private ceremonies for only the couple.
Traditionally a handfasting was similar to a betrollment ceremony. These bonds lasted a year and a day and were an ancient Celtic tradition. They were trial marriages. In some cases this definition is still used today but to many people it is not. Most people think of a handfasting as a pagan marriage. Whatever definition you chose to use for this ceremony I hope to provide you with some idea of what one may be like, or maybe even ideas for a handfasting of your own. |
