Recently, a friend told me of a wedding she had attended where the ancient ceremony of “handfasting,” symbolic of binding the couple together for life, was celebrated during the wedding ceremony. I have often read of the handfasting custom when researching Scottish history. Handfasting was most often a ceremony of betrothal, a year before the actual wedding took place. We moderns say; we are “engaged” to be married. This custom is not unique to the Scots, but is an ancient Celtic custom that dates back to early medieval times. Today, the custom is making a comeback, but most often during the actual wedding celebration. Since the season for weddings has arrived, I thought to include some portions of the handfasting ceremony.
The Binding
Now you are bound one to the other
With a tie not easy to break.
Take the time of binding
Before the final vows are made
To learn what you need to know -
To grow in wisdom and love.
That your marriage will be strong
That your love will last
In this life and beyond.
Scottish Wedding Prayer
Lord help us to remember when
We first met and the strong
love that grew between us.
To work that love into
practical things so that nothing
can divide us.
We ask for words both kind
and loving and hearts always
ready to ask forgiveness
as well as to forgive.
Dear Lord, we put our
marriage into your hands.
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