HANDFASTING CEREMONY
A handfasting is an old Pagan custom, dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. A handfasting was originally more like an engagement period, where two people would declare a binding union between themselves for a year and a day.
The original handfasting was a trial marriage. It gave the couple the chance to see if they could survive marriage to each other. After a year and a day goes by the couple could either split as if they had never been married or could decide to enter permanently into marriage.
The original handfasting was a trial marriage. It gave the couple the chance to see if they could survive marriage to each other. After a year and a day goes by the couple could either split as if they had never been married or could decide to enter permanently into marriage.
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Today, many couples have embraced handfasting as a part of their wedding ceremony. A handfasting can either be a legal marriage (depending on state law), or a commitment for "as long as love shall last." A handfasting ceremony can be tailor made to suit any couple.
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The term Handfasting originates from the Old Norse term hand-festa, meaning "to strike a bargain by joining hands". In modern times, handfasting is a ceremony often practised by members of the Pagan faith. The handfasting may also be completed by the traditional act of jumping over a broom.