Have you ever wondered what “Tying the Knot” means or what is a hand fasting ceremony ? I offer the option of several ‘Special Elements’ in my ceremonies to make them unique and memorable. Hand fasting is a very popular element, but each ceremony I perform is unique to you, as are the cords.
The history
This tradition dates back hundreds of years before conventional weddings. In ancient times couples were hand-tied to bind them together and symbolise an official union, even if they were unable to be married in a church. Knots, in Celtic and other cultures, symbolise unity, so this ceremony symbolises a marriage being tied to the couple for the rest of their lives.
Why add a ‘Special element’
Have you ever felt bored at a ceremony because it’s the same every time and you know what’s coming next? I am sure you want your ceremony to be special, romantic, memorable but also entertaining for your guests. With optional special elements we have the opportunity to do something which will engage everyone.
Cord & ribbon colours.
In ancient times the colour of the cord represented something. For example, blue symbolises tranquility, patience, devotion and sincerity. So if you want to have the traditional hand fasting ceremony, be sure to research cord colours and choose one or two that mean something special to you and your partner. These days you can have the cords or ribbons any colour you want. When people choose the ‘Tie the Knot’ element I will custom make the cords to incorporate different cultural backgrounds, or co-ordinate with the colour scheme of the event.
Weddings, blessings and vow renewals
I often use hand fasting as part of a wedding, blessing or vow renewal ceremony. The couple join hands, and then tied with ribbons, cord, lace, leather or braid, in the shape of the infinity symbol. Each person places their cord over the hands of the couple, a blessing is given with each cord. When that is complete we tie the knot. That is where we get the term “Tying the knot”. By doing this we symbolise the bringing together of two hearts in unity. The ribbons or cords can be a multitude of colours and they are a memorable keepsake of your day.
Naming ceremonies for babies and children
I regularly use hand fasting as part of a baby or child naming ceremony. Each of the parents and godparents – or guide parents have a cord or ribbon and we unite them with a blessing when they make promises to the child. I write unique scripts for all my hand fasting ceremonies. I make cords in appropriate colours with charms that are relevant to the people I am performing the ceremony for.
Adoption | Name change
Please read my blog on adoption ceremonies ( link at bottom of this page)
Please read my blog on adoption ceremonies ( link at bottom of this page)When a child is adopted into a family it is especially important to mark the occasion so they really feel part of the new family. By having a special ceremony and using hand fasting cords this symbolically unites the family. It is symbol which can be kept to remind you all of the day, the promises you make, and can be witnessed by any number of people you choose. When we physically ‘Tie the Knot’ it represents unity in any ceremony.
Family unity.
A hand fasting is especially meaningful when we have two families coming together who have children. It is the most beautiful and unique way to unite the new family. I write each of my ceremonies especially for the family. They are inclusive and make ever person feel special, valued and part of the new family unit. You can include children, parents and grandparents. It is your ceremony so you decide who to include. I design cords and ribbons in the colours appropriate for each person. These can have any number of charms or symbols attached to them. When we physically ‘Tie the Knot’ we unite the family with blessings and promises.
In conclusion, You can have a ‘Symbolic’ Hand fasting ceremony for many different occasions. It can be a stand alone ceremony, or with me as your celebrant can be included as part of another ceremony.
Click on the link to for more information about the ‘Special Elements’ I offer. cypruscelebrant.com
