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Take a journey with the Wedmaster as he explores the path of wisdom, humanity, and enlightenment.
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| Mon, 6 December 2004 |
Handfasting Basics |
While researching about weddings, the Wedmaster stumbled across a new word and concept he was not familiar with before - Handfasting.
Having lived in a country that is predominantly catholic, and watched TV with the normal bride and groom arrangement, the concept of Handfasting was totally new.
Handfasting is a ceremony that people outside of the christian church can perform. It is a pagan ritual or Celtic origin. Pagan, meaning, they believe in a different God from that of the bible |
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and normally are nature-worshippers.
Handfasting is literally tying of the hands together, hence, the phrase "to tie the knot". Historically, And it involves the couple to declare that they live with each other for a year and a day. After the period has elapsed, they can renew their vows for another year and a day, part ways, or they could finally decide to really get married.
There are other rituals during handfasting that the couples can perform (like jumping a broom) but the Wedmaster would rather not delve deep into them.
At present, Handfasting ceremonies are an alternative to church weddings. All you need is a licensed minister (plus other state requirements) to make the union legal.
*Personally, the Wedmaster thinks that a renewal of vows is a good thing in any relationship, and this concept can be applied to any couple of any religion. Simply celebrating an anniversary is not enough.
Some resources on Handfasting:
Handfasting Traditions
The History of Handfasting
The Handfasting Ritual
CELTIC/NEOPAGAN HANDFASTING
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