8 Main Reasons You Should Have A
Hand-Fasting Unity Ceremony
A Little History
What is "Hand-Fasting"?
Until the time leading up to, and during the Middle Ages, weddings were considered affairs that included both family and community.
The only thing needed in those times to create a marriage was for both partners to state their consent to take one another as spouses.
The tradition of Hand-Fasting started in Scotland and was considered more of a contract than a romantic endeavor. Witnesses were not always necessary, nor was the presence of the bride!
The role of the clergy at a medieval wedding was simply to bless the couple.
Until the council of Trent in the 15th century it was not official that a third party such as a priest or minister officiate the vows of marriage.
Until that time it was left up to the individuals involved to perform the ceremony. This was done many times in the home of the bride.
In the later medieval period, the wedding ceremony moved from the house of the Bride to the church.
It began with a procession to the church from the bride's house.
Vows were exchanged outside the church and everyone would then move inside for high Mass.
After Mass, the procession went back to the bride's house for feasting and musicians accompanied the procession.
FUN FACT: In Switzerland in the 1500’s, if couples were spotted having a drink together in public they could be considered married!
Green: We will begin the Hand-Fasting ceremony with Lindsay's father. He is presenting the first cord, Green, wishing his daughter and son the Nourishment of Family and Love. Much like sun and water, these elements will allow their union grow into a home shared with each other, regardless what garden the two find themselves in.
Silver: The second cord woven of silver is being presented to the couple by Matt's mother. Silver traditionally represents wisdom and respect, and let it be so here today. Let this cord not only represent the wisdom the two of you have shown in taking this step together, but may it also serve as a blessing, so that this union remains strong enough that life never grinds the two of you down to the point that you take each other granted.
Red: A blessing of passion is being presented to the couple by Lindsay's brother. As he ties the couples' hands in the red cord, may he fasten into your lives and hearts not only the hot passion of young love, but the thick, slow burning embers of lifelong Passion.
Orange: Matt's father will be tying the copper-orange cord. With this cord, he brings a blessing of playfulness and fun, reminding the pair to keep young hearts; for next to each stands the person who will be their best friend and companion, and it is only through play, fun, and joy that we can keep from growing old, regardless of growing older.
Yellow: It is Lindsay's mother that brings forth a blessing of light and nourishment to the young union as represented by the yellow cord she ties around the couples hands. May you find in each other a balm for your emotional hurts and may you find yourselves sharing more joys together than sorrows.
Pink: Matt's sister will be tying the sixth cord, pink, bringing to the couple a blessing of spontaneity to their lives. Memories are not only made of grand moments, but are also hiding in the simple adventures of daily life. May the two of you remember to allow your lives to dictate your schedule, and always remember to make time for life to happen.
Brown: The brown cord symbolizing dependability and grounding binding the couples hands is being tied by Lindsay's sister. With this blessing, may the two of you always be able to lean against each other, find support in each other's arms, and keep each other centered; and when one of you stumbles, know that the other will catch you before you can fall.
Purple: Lindsay's other mother shall be tying the purple cord for the couple today. Long regarded as the color of nobility. Purple also represents the color of mystery. It will be the last cord being tied during this ceremony, and a blessing on the couple as they explore so many different mysteries together. Mysteries not only imposed on them from without, but the mysteries hidden within each other and this brave new adventure they embark on.
