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.
Is handfasting legal in Scotland?
In fact, as it’s not a legal part of your ceremony, anyone can perform the handfasting, making it a lovely way to include a special family member or friend!
How long should handfasting ribbon 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 do you say during Handfasting?
Bride and Groom say, “We do.” These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
Who can perform a Handfasting ceremony?
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 is a Celtic handfasting ceremony?
Put very simply, Handfasting is the practice of couples committing to each other by having their hands tied together with braid, or something similar, and exchanging rings and vows in a traditional non-religious ceremony. Knots are often tied in the braid at the making of each vow.
Is a Handfasting ceremony legal?
Handfasting can absolutely be a part of a legally-binding wedding ceremony led by a certified officiant or wedding celebrant. Handfasting has long been used as a tool to unify couples that have been denied access to legal marriage.
What to say during Handfasting?
Why are there different colors for handfasting cords?
Ribbons are delicate while cords are a symbol of strength, and for couples choosing to use multiple colors, each color brings with it another symbolic meaning adding yet another special layer to the vows being exchanged. Like I said, handfasting is a fluid ritual. It doesn’t have a hard and fast traditional practice to be followed.
Where do I make handfasting cords in Scotland?
Based in Edinburgh, Scotland – but shipping worldwide – I specialise in designing and crafting artisanal handfasting cords which reflect the couple’s relationship and their unique celebration of love. The signature of my designs are Celtic knots which come together in meaningful symbolism and intricate beauty.
How to have a proper Scottish handfasting ceremony?
There are endless variations and ways a couple can make a handfasting ceremony unique, from using multiple cords to having friends and family members come up and take turns tying them. Many couples use a cloth for the handfasting ceremony, choosing its colors with great care to represent their family or signify something of great personal meaning.
What’s the meaning of the handfasting cord at a wedding?
This is a contemporary cotton version of the Irish “crios,” the traditional handfasting cord of Celtic wedding custom. We work with you closely to match your wedding colors or find colors and pattern that represent your values or the symbolism you want to bring into the ceremony.