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Handfasting
Handfasting, binding the hands of the couple together with a cloth,
ribbon or rope, is a non-religion-specific symbol used in Celtic and
other cultures to express the reality of marriage. The term handfasting is commonly used to
describe a ceremony of union that may
fall anywhere on the continuum of full-blown pagan ceremony that also
satisfies the requirements for a legal marriage, to a symbolic ritual
that is performed as part of a more traditional legal marriage
ceremony.
When Naomi and Richard married at the
Golden Ox in Margate they incorporated a handfasting into the ceremony
using multiple ribbons in the same colours as their bridesmaids'
dresses.
Handfasting can also be used as a symbol of intention in an
Engagement (Betrothal) ceremony, or feature in a Commitment
Ceremony or Reaffirmation of Marriage or Commitment Vows. In each
case the ceremony is designed to reflect the couple's personal
spiritual
beliefs, but there
are many elements in common in both Pagan and traditional or
Christian
weddings and a careful melding of these would mean that those who
attend will recognise
the traditions from their belief system without being overly confronted
by the
other.
In broad terms handfasting means the practice of binding the hands of a
couple together with ribbon, cords or something else that can wrap
around the hands, a ritual that
predates the giving of rings.. There are numerous ways to do this, and
I encourage couples to include members of their family or other
significant people in the ritual. A handfasting has equal balance of
emphasis on male and female, so that it is a ceremony of complete
equality between the couple. The couple’s vows are very specific to
them, not mandated by someone else.
Many different religious traditions include wrapping or binding of the
hands as part of the marriage ceremony. Including the binding of
the hands using ribbons or cords references this tradition and, as
there is no
"set way" of doing the binding, it can be adapted as necessary.
The pagan ceremony includes a number of other ritual elements in and is
generally officiated by a pagan priest and priestess. These include
casting of a circle (or 3 circles - it differs between various pagan
traditions), calling of the directions etc.
The pagan inclusions of the elements of earth, air, fire and water are
actually included in
most weddings already - gifts = earth, vows/incense = air, candles =
fire, wine
cup blessing = water
When incorporated in a more traditional marriage ceremony the ritual
consists of binding the hands of the bride and groom together, with
appropriate words, either before the vows, or after the exchange of
rings.
Whether the handfasting is the ceremony or a ritual within a
traditional ceremony I work with you to custom-create the ceremony to
reflect your wishes, your needs, your situation, and your beliefs.
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Mission
Statement
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Jennifer
Cram is a
secular humanist celebrant
in Brisbane
Queensland
Australia
Serving all of Brisbane, Redlands, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers,
Logan and Ipswich
Ceremonies
performed
in private homes, parks, gardens, hotels, clubs, restaurants, chapels,
function
centres, reception centres, wedding venues.
Day or evening
ceremonies 365 days a year
Her Celebrant
Services include:
Wedding
Ceremonies including Contemporary,
Traditional, Spiritual, Intimate, Cultural, Inter-cultural,
Buddhist, Celtic, Handfasting, Humanist, Irish, Mediaeval, Military,
Scottish,
Celtic, Chinese, Buddhist, Mediaeval; Surprise, Theme, True-Blue
Aussie, Visa, Green, and Pink Weddings;
Renewal of
Vows; Commitment
Ceremonies for gay, lesbian,
and straight couples; Naming Ceremonies;
House Warming;
Launching; Divorce
and Separation (End-of-Relationship) Ceremonies
Contact
Details
Phone: (07) 3378 3005
International: + 61 7 3378 3005
Email:
Mail: P O Box 20, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia
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