What do the colors of handfasting cords mean?

Handfasting Cords

For a three-cord handfasting colored cords are often braided: White for purity, blue for fidelity, and red for passion, for instance. You may choose to use other colors; for example, green for fertility and growth, purple for spiritual strength, and gold for wisdom.

How many cords are in a handfasting ceremony?

A minimum of two cords are required (or an even number of cords). You and your partner face each other, with one pair of wrists resting on the other's forearms. One cord is laid over your wrists, and the second cord is laid over your partner's.

How long should handfasting cords be?

Your cord should be long enough to loop over both wrists as well as being able to make the knots. We've read that if you are using a single cord, that a generic rule of length is ideally no less than 6 feet.

What are handfasting cords?

A Handfasting cord (also known as a Handfasting rope, handbinding cord, or a handfasting ribbon) is a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric that is tied or wrapped around the hands of a couple during a wedding ceremony to symbolise the partners' commitment to each other.

Is a handfasting ceremony legal?

While handfasting is no longer legally binding, it's a cherished modern day practice. It has a time-honoured status and is a beautiful act of commitment and unity.

How to Have a HANDFASTING Wedding Ceremony: 10 Tips (+ PDF SCRIPT)

What do you say at a handfasting ceremony?

Handfasting Ceremony 1

In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another. By this cord you are thus bound to your vow. May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last. May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger.

Do you exchange rings in a handfasting ceremony?

When do you perform the handfasting ceremony? The handfasting ceremony can be performed at any time during the ceremony, but it's usually conducted right before the ring exchange. That way, you're able to say your vows to each other while bound together and then finish off the ceremony with your rings.

How do you do the cord of three strands?

Toward the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom braid the Cord of Three Strands together. The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. The colors of the cords is significant.

How wide should a handfasting ribbon be?

Two pieces of material, between 1.5- 2m long​(width is less important but 5cm is decent). If you'd like to include other people (kids, parents, dogs etc) just add another ribbon/piece of material.

Why does marriage have 3 knots?

The first two knots tied by the groom signify the commitment of the couple and to assure the well-being of the bride. Meanwhile, the third knot tied by the groom's sister signifies commitment between the two families.

Who can perform a handfasting?

You're just having a non-legal ceremony, and it can be performed by anyone you like. A high priest or priestess, or even a friend who's a respected member of the Pagan community can do it for you, with little to no fuss.

What do the 13 coins in a wedding mean?

Thirteen (13) coins (either gold or silver) represent Christ and his 12 apostles. It is a simple ceremony where the Bridegroom gives the Bride these coins to represent his responsibility as a provider, and his trust in his Bride with his material possessions. Usually a few words or vows are exchanged.

Does handfasting count as marriage?

Handfasting was legally binding: as soon as the couple made their vows to each other they were validly married. It was not a temporary arrangement. Just as with church weddings of the period, the union which handfasting created could only be dissolved by death.

Is a Pagan wedding legally binding?

A Pagan handfasting can be several things, depending on the couple's wishes. It can be a legal marriage. It can be a commitment ceremony for a common law or civil union. It can be a kind of trial marriage for a couple who wish to ease into married life.

Do people still do handfasting?

Can anyone participate in the handfasting tradition? Handfastings are commonly used in Wiccan and Pagan ceremonies but anyone can take part in the tradition. It's become popular in modern-day ceremonies due to the "tying the knot" symbolism (and because it was shown on Game of Thrones).

What does a 3 fold cord mean?

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The Cord of Three Strands represents God, the groom, and the bride – braiding these three strands symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God in marriage.

What does the Bible say about knots?

“I [The Lord your God] will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.” – Isaiah 45:2 here to view the video version Father, we thank You for making our crooked paths straight (Isaiah 45:2, Proverbs 20:24).

What is braiding cord?

Braided rope is created by braiding together 8-10 fibers into a tube-like braid. Polypropylene and nylon are the two most common forms of material used.

What do you wear to a Pagan wedding?

What to Wear. Ideally, your invitation will give you a hint, but odds are your Pagan wedding won't involve traditional suits and cocktail dresses for the guests. An outdoor wedding is a good bet. When in doubt, opt for natural fibers and earth tones with a splash of color.

Is handfasting a Scottish tradition?

Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic/Medieval custom, especially common in Ireland and Scotland, in which two people came together at the start of their marriage relationship to declare of their own free will that they intended to marry.

What do you use for handfasting?

Common ones include grape vines, ribbons, twisted ropes, braided ropes, monogrammed or embroidered cloths, Scottish Tartans, or a combination of several of these materials. In ceremonies that use ribbon and rope, guests often write well wishes or advice for the couple onto the ribbons that are used in the ceremony.

How old is handfasting?

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that dates back to 7000 B.C. Traditionally, when two people were brought to be married, a cord or piece of material was used to bind the couple's hands together during the ceremony.

Do you hold hands during wedding ceremony?

When at the altar, HOLD HANDS. So, when you're standing at the altar, you really need to hold each other''s hands the entire time. It may feel weird, your hands will definitely sweat BUT it will look so much better from a guests perspective and in photos.