Do Indian hand fastening ceremonies carry religious significance?

Dear Erin,

Actually, hand fastening dates back to ancient Celtic times. In those times it was a Pagan ceremony. It is a lovely ceremony to do and the hand tying is usually a Celtic Love Knot. This implies that your coming together will be never ending. In answer to you question then, it is more a Spiritual symbol while you pledge to each other rather than religious. The tying can be done with velvet chords, ribbon, lace - anything you like. I can't imagine why hand tying would clash with your own ethics and beliefs.

Have a lovely wedding day Regards Jan

I perform handfasting, but I always tailor the ceremony to the couple and vary the elements and wording to suit them individually. Many things we do are rooted in culture and religion but we bring them forth to the present day and perform them as a ceremony of unity rather than any previous beliefs.

As from the other answers, there is no religious basis but it is a celtic tradition. In present times, handfasting is a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony as it symbolises the bonding of husband and wife.

Hi, as you can see by other answers the reason behind Hand fasting. Go ahead and have it , its a beautiful inclusion in a wedding that many people have never seen. Organise your own coloured ribbons colours that have meaning for you and yes ribbons that's what I use in my ceremonies and they are beautiful to keep..

Best Wishes

Susan

Hi Erin,

Great Question. Hand Binding or Fasting is largely derived from Celtic traditions and was not essentially a religious ritual. In fact it was often an alternative to a religious ceremony when a member of the Clergy could not be reached or found to perform the Ceremony. It is as you asked something that also derives from the Native American Indian culture (One of my personal favourites for rituals & wording). The Native American Indian beliefs are very much Spiritual in that they believe every single part of nature has a spirit and therefore deserves and commands respect. I certainly wouldn't call this religious just beautifully human and natural. I am not specifically sure what the exact symbolism for the Hand Binding is in their culture but I am sure it would have been as simple as two spirits being bound together and therefore deserving of care, nurture, protection and respect as the two are now one. I think it would a beautiful choice for a Wedding Ceremony :)

Here's a link to a description of a Ceremony where they actually made their own binding cord using Cherokee beads. How wonderful!

http://www.whitehorsestudio.com/about_me/handfasting/handfasting.html

Good Luck & Enjoy.

Cheers,

Mark