You may have heard the phrases - "tied the knot" or "giving one's hand in marriage". They are generally spoken about folks who are to be married or who have already married. Do you wonder where these sayings came from? It turns out that these terms refer to the ancient tradition of handfasting or hand wrapping.
What Is Handfasting/Hand wrapping?
The term Handfasting is taken from Old Norse language - “hand-festa” - meaning to strike a bargain by joining hands. Handfasting is the tradition of lightly binding the hands of a couple together using a cord, rope, ribbons, a scarf, tartan or strips of a fabric which have special meaning for the bride and/or groom. It is meant to signify a couple’s coming together as one. It is typically performed after the exchange of vows and rings.
Origins Of Handfasting/Hand Wrapping
Handfasting originated with the Greeks and Romans, who used a garland of magnolia, elder and roses. The garland was wrapped around the couple’s wrists to signify love and fidelity. The ceremony was especially common in Ireland and Scotland and was commonly the way that couples were officially married before there were religious ceremonies.
The Colors Of Handfasting / Hand Wrapping
In the traditions of Celtic handfasting the couple’s wrists are bound together using ribbons of thirteen different colors. Each color has its own special meaning:
Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility
Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, plenty
Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance
Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health
Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity
Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality
Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
Gray: neutrality, canceling, balance
Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness
Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home
Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration
Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity
(Color list provided by the Reverend David James of Mt. Kisco, NY)
Handfasting/Hand Wrapping Wording:
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes to you.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
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