You’re at a loved one’s wedding ceremony and the happy couple are about to say their vows. But instead of just speaking, the officiant takes a long cord and ties it around the couple’s clasped hands.
You are witnessing a handfasting ceremony, a practice that is centuries old.
Photo Credit: ms28552 via Flickr CC by 2.0
Like the more familiar unity candle or sand ceremony, a handfasting is a unity symbol—one that literally represents the couple “tying the knot.”
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What Is A Handfasting Ceremony?
A handfasting ceremony is a centuries-old ritual, with Celtic roots, in which a couple’s hands are bound together with a cord or ribbon to symbolize their union and commitment.
Often incorporated into modern wedding ceremonies, the ritual can include:
-
- Personalized vows
- Decorative cords or ribbons
- Colors representing specific promises or values
- Charms or symbolic knots
The physical act of binding hands creates a visual representation of the couple joining their lives together. After the ceremony, the cord itself often becomes a meaningful keepsake of the vows made that day.
What Are The Origins of Handfasting?
Handfasting originated long before Christianity and can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Celtic cultures in Scotland and Ireland.
Historically, it was sometimes used as a form of trial marriage lasting “a year and a day.” At the end of that period, the couple could decide whether to remain together permanently or separate.
Over time, the practice evolved from a temporary union into the symbolic wedding ritual that many couples incorporate into ceremonies today.
What Is Its Symbolism?
The symbolism of a handfasting ceremony goes far beyond simply tying a cord around the couple’s hands.
The colors of the cords, the number used, decorative charms, and even the knots themselves can all carry specific meanings.
Handfasting Cord Colors and Their Meanings
Each handfasting cord color carries its own symbolism. You can choose colors to coordinate with your wedding color scheme, or select them for their symbolic meanings. If you like the idea of incorporating symbolism, use this guide to pick colors that reflect the qualities, values, or intentions you want to highlight in your ceremony.
| Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Red | will, love, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigor, passion |
| Orange | encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty, kindness |
| Yellow | attraction, charm, confidence, balance, harmony |
| Green | fertility, lick, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, love |
| Dark Blue | for a safe journey, longevity, strength |
| Light Blue | tranquility, understanding, patience, health |
| Purple | healing, health, strength, power, progress |
| Black | strength, empowerment, wisdom/vision, success, pure love |
| White | spiritual purity, truth, peace, serenity |
| Gray | balance, neutrality, used in erasing, canceling, neutralizing, and return to the universe without repercussion |
| Pink | love, unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness |
| Brown | for healing, skills & talent, nurturing, home & hearth, the earth |
| Silver | for creativity, inspiration & vision, and protection |
| Gold | for unity, longevity, prosperity, strength |
Couples often choose colors that reflect their personalities, relationship, or cultural traditions.
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Number of Cords
Photo Credit: ms28552 via Flickr CC by 2.0
The number of cords used can also hold symbolic meaning.
One Cord
Represents the binding together of two lives into one.
Two Cords
Symbolize the two individuals who are choosing to join their lives together.
Three Cords
This number can represent several meanings, including:
- The couple’s past, present, and future
- The addition of a spiritual or divine presence
- The joining of two families
Four or More Cords
Sometimes additional cords are used so family members or friends can participate in the ritual. Each person may place a cord over the couple’s hands to symbolize their blessing and support.
Charms
Decorative charms can be attached to the handfasting cord, often placed at the ends, although a larger charm can also be placed in the center.
Charms may be:
- Personalized (such as the couple’s names or wedding date)
- Symbolic
- Thematic to the wedding
Examples of symbolic charms include:
- Lock and key: safety and security in the relationship
- Anchor: stability
- Infinity symbol: endless love
Couples sometimes incorporate items tied to their shared interests or fandoms as well, such as seashells for a beach wedding or even a TARDIS charm or D20 dice.
The possibilities are limited only by imagination.
Handfasting is a beautiful, symbolic way to celebrate the promises and intentions shared between two people. Now that you know the history, symbolism, and options for cords, knots, and charms, you can begin imagining how to make this ritual uniquely yours. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll walk through exactly how to perform a handfasting ceremony, tie the knots, and choose the words that will make it unforgettable.
Curious about the practical side of this tradition? In Part 2, we explore handfasting cords, their colors and meanings, where to find them, and examples of handfasting ceremony wording you can use during the ritual.
Continue your handfasting journey in Part 2: Handfasting Cords, Colors, and Ceremony Wording to learn how to select cords, meaningful colors, and the perfect words to make your ceremony truly unforgettable. Coming next week!
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Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
