27/01/2024
Spring is around the corner and if you’re thinking of a couples ceremony, have you ever thought about having a traditional Celtic handfasting ceremony?
What’s the difference between a handfasting ceremony and a symbolic action of handfasting in a wedding ceremony? Well, it’s HUGE! Read all about it here 👇🏻
Handfasting ceremonies available in the Isle of Man and Sussex!
The difference between a Handfasting Ceremony and the symbolic action of handfasting within a celebration ceremony.
Handfasting, it’s just about binding the couples hands with ribbon, right? Well… yes and no.
You’ve likely witnessed the symbolic action of handfasting at a wedding, civil partnership, couples or commitment ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony, the couples hands are united together with ribbons, cords and so on.
Whilst the above is a symbolic representation of handfasting, it’s worlds apart from an actual Handfasting Ceremony.
What makes the Handfasting Ceremony different?
A Handfasting Ceremony can span from one to two days, depending on the couple’s preferences. It takes place within a sacred space, following a template based on the four elements - Earth representing stability, Air representing new beginnings, Fire representing passion and transformation and Water representing blessings.
The ceremony is deeply rooted in nature providing a deeper spiritual dimension to the Handfasting Ceremony.
Throughout the ceremony, the couple embark on a journey through their love, receiving unique blessings from each element.
To symbolise their unity with the blessing of Earth, they have the option of either binding their hands with ribbons and cords to ‘tie the knot’ or participating in the Hoop and Wand ceremony.
The Hoop and Wand are created by the couple bringing together a willow hoop and a willow wand that has been adorned with meaningful symbols and decorations by the couple.
As they are placed together by the couple who join hands, and bind the hoop and the wand with ribbons and cords, it symbolises the sacred circle of life and unity. It represents the union of the couples energies and the boundaries they set for their shared life.
There are various rituals similar to the Hoop and Wand throughout a Handfasting Ceremony, making it a truly unique ceremony indeed. A perfect ceremony to celebrate weddings, commitments, unity and renewal of vows, using the elements of nature.
While both types of handfasting have their own unique beauty, the actual Handfasting Ceremony holds a deeper, spiritual significance that connects the couple to the elements and the sacred.