Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic/Medieval custom, especially common in Ireland and Scotland, in which two people came together at the start of their marriage relationship to declare of their own free will that they intended to marry.
While facing each other, the couple will join hands while a cloth is tied around their hands in a knot. This is where the term “tie the knot” came from. Couples often choose to use a cloth made of a particular clan tartan or a specific colour of cloth symbolising something important to them.
Hand-fasting is suitable for use in both weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.
What you will need
- A cloth or ribbon suitable for hand-fasting
- Family member or guest to complete the tying of the knot
Example Wording
Example 1
There is an ancient Celtic tradition of binding a couple in marriage by hand-fasting — literally, tying their hands together with cord or ribbon as a symbol that they are bound together not just for a lifetime, but for eternity.
[Party 1] and [Party 2] have decided to include a hand-fasting in their wedding ceremony to emphasize their eternal bond and reinforce the feeling that they never wish to be parted from one another.
In Scotland, until the mid 1700’s, marriages were celebrated by a simple hand fasting ceremony in which the two partners joined hands. The couple would link hands to form an infinite circle, and then, their hands or wrists would be bound together, symbolizing the binding together of their two lives into one. It is from this practice that the expression “tying the knot” probably comes from. [Party 1] and [Party 2 have chosen this day to engage in a traditional hand fasting ceremony.
Could [name] please come forward to complete the tying of [Party 1] and Party 2]’s hands.
With this material I bind [Party 1] and [Party 2] to the vows they make to each other.
The binding is not formed by this knot, but by your vows. You hold in your hands and hearts the making and breaking of this union. Just as your hands are now bound together, so too are your lives. May you be forever one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty for all time to come. May your marriage be blessed with patience and dedication, forgiveness and respect, love and understanding.
Example 2
[Party 1] Please Take [Party 2] Left Hand In Your Left Hand.
May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last. May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths. Hold tight to one another through good times and bad and watch as your strength grows.In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another.
Example 3
Ladies and Gentlemen, at this stage we are going to perform an old Celtic tradition called hand fasting. In the past, tradition said that while couples were waiting on an official to arrive who could bless their wedding, a local dignitary would perform a hand blessing ceremony on the couple, this meant that they were legally married for a year and a day, giving them a chance to have their Marriage officially blessed.
[Party 1] and [Party 2] have chosen to incorporate this ancient Celtic ritual into their wedding ceremony today.
Could [name] please come forward to complete the tying of [Party 1] and Party 2]’s hands.
Blessing of the hands
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 fills your mind.
These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hand that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
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.
As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The bond of marriage is not formed by these cords, but rather by the vows you have made.
Example 4
May these hands be blessed this day. May they always hold each other. May they have the strength to hang on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May they build a relationship founded in love, and rich in caring. May these hands be healer, protector, shelter, and guide for each other.
Example 5
I asked you to join hands as a symbol of the union that you are making here today. I’d like you to think about the hands that you are holding. These are the hands of your best friend holding your hands on your wedding day promising to love you and to work together as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need strength, tenderness when you need tenderness and love when you need love. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow but also tears of joy.
These are the hands that will hold all those whom you love. These are the hands that years from now will still be searching for your hands, still seeking the love , encouragement and support that each of you seeks from each other.
Example 6
Now join your hands, and with your hands, your hearts. These are hands of the one you love and adore. On this day, you promise to love and honor one another for all your days. Reaching out to the one you love, may you find strength.
Standing side by side, may you find partnership. Sharing responsibilities and chores, may you find equality and ease. Helping each other in daily life and works, may you find fulfilment. Loving each other through dark and light times, may you find power. Our wish for you is that you build an extraordinary life together. May your marriage be all you two would choose it to be!
Example 7
Your hands together will nurture your love and your relationship. Hold each other and gently hug one another often. In times of struggle may they help you to relax and feel safe and loved. In times of joy may they join in celebration?
These hands will hold each of your children in tender love – guiding, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and together your hands will share the many joys and responsibilities of family life. May these hands continues to build a relationship founded in grace, rich in caring, and devoted to loving. May they always be held by one another for many, many years.