Handfasting

In time gone by it was common for a couple to simply bind a piece of fabric around their hands to show they were ‘bound together in life”. This ancient tradition is showing a revival as many couples now have a Handfasting as part of the ceremony.

Usually after the rings are exchanged the couple hold left hands and the celebrant lightly ties a ribbon with three knots. Each knot is accompanied by a blessing for the couple. They then loosen their hands and the wedding ribbon is placed in a keepsake bag. To untie the knots would indicate the undoing of the marriage.