Tying the Knot

Did you know that the phrase “tying the knot” comes from a symbolic ritual in Celtic and medieval traditions? 

You’ll find some good examples on YouTube including this Scots one, and on the Celebrants Aotearoa website.

According to this website: “Unity ceremonies’ have become a common part of modern wedding traditions. These are ceremonies that physically represent the bonds of marriage using things like sand, water, flower, or candles…. All of which trace back to the handfasting days”.  There are old vows to be said in this reitual or we can write our own to personalise to you.

An example here:

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.

Author unknown

I’d love to help you weave a handfasting ceremony into your wedding day. We can even create the ribbons/ cords from fabric you provide from significant family or friend or clan fabrics.