It’s a romantic concept that, while it has a basis in history and fiction, is still prevalent in today’s weddings. Historically, in Medieval Scotland, hand graphics were called for to decide marriages today. It was a ceremony in which the covenants of marriage (with dowries and such) were agreed upon, and the bridegroom exchanged promises of marriage in which his hand would be made. The actual marriage took place at a later date. As it was developed, it was sometimes reported that marriage was a time of trial. For example, in one particular village, men and women who remained unmarried on the Sabbath of Lughnasadh (which was the beginning of the harvest season, usually in August) would remain until the following year when they could choose to leave the union. A view of hand tying hands together with loose ropes and knots.
But this seems to have been discovered by Sir Walter Scott, in the New Monastery, where a. the character refers to handfasting as a marriage lasting a year and a day. But according to Sharon Krossa, in her article “Historical Handfasting,” she believed that Walter Scott might have collected this from somewhere like Pennant’s Tour in Scotland, and “thought it would be a good idea to include it in his novel, along with the disguises and other fictional things.”
Today, many Neopagans and Wiccans still practice this ritual, although it relies more on hand fiction. It can be a marriage trial, or an obligation for a certain period of time (traditionally “a year and a day”), although a wedding ceremony can also be legal. A handshake, where the couple has a marriage license and the ceremony is performed by a justice of the peace, is legally binding and can only be dissolved by divorce.
There are several rites associated with the craft. Some couples will “split”, some will drink from the same cup, they will often exchange rings, some will light unity candles. > and sometimes couples will incorporate the old rope and knot tradition into their ceremonies. Several different colored ropes are available, each having a different meaning. As a white rope, it signifies devotion, sincerity and peace. the pink rope is interpreted as romance, honor and company; and the blue rope is understanding and patience. The act of holding each other’s hands gives couples today the opportunity to literally “tie the knot.”
Report:
- Wikipedia, the Free Internet Encyclopedia “Historical Handfasting” by Sharon L. Krossa, Copyright 2001 Lasso’d Moon Designs The Ink Spot: Bridal Tips, Trends and More!
