Hand-fasting
The hand fasting ceremony is a Celtic tradition where the hands of the couple are bound together early in the ceremony (generally after the opening words). This is where the expression "tying the knot" comes from. After the exchange of vows and rings, the couples hands are untied, symbolizing that they no longer need to be physically bound as they are now united in spirit.
Often a family member is given the honor of tying the couple's hands with a scarf, tie or cloth. In the true Celtic tradition, the cloth would be that of the Celtic clan.
Tip: The easiest way to do the hand tying is for the couple to grasp left hands wrist-to-wrist. Then the tie can be loosely wrapped around their clasped hands and wrists. When it comes time for the Exchange of Rings, the ring is held in the right hand and slipped onto the third finger of the other person's clasped left hand.
Wording Options
1. There is an ancient Celtic tradition of binding a couple in marriage by hand-fasting. As you join your hands, so your lives are joined. Groom and Bride have each prepared themselves in their hearts to begin a new life, one built together on a strong foundation of love and respect. In this, marriage is a rite of passage as their solitary past is left behind and they walk together bound by the ties of love. Bride and Groom, please clasp your left hands together. To symbolize these bonds, I here bind your left hands together
(Officiant or family member wraps the cord around the couple's wrists and hands) with this cord, which, like your love, holds you together, yet you maintain your individuality.
2. Groom and Bride, on this day, you have come before us to proclaim your love and your desire to be bound together in lifelong commitment. From this day forward, you will remain two separate people, yet your spirits will be joined to one light. Before this happens, however, you will now participate in an age-old Celtic tradition by having your hands bound together throughout your ceremony-symbolizing your willful intent to be bound together in love and for life.
(Officiant or family member will then loosely tie the left hands of the couple together.)
3. Groom and bride, woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for your new life together. With the fashioning of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last.
(officiant or family member will loosely wrap tie around the clasped left hands of the couple). May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union. Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows.
As tie is removed (after Exchange of Rings)
Officiant: I will now untie your hands as your vows and the exchange of rings have bound you together in spirit.