Handfasting at a humanist wedding
As part of our series on symbolic acts chosen by couples as part of their humanist wedding ceremonies, today, we’re taking a look at handfasting ceremonies.
Handfasting dates back over 2,000 years and, unsurprisingly, there are many variations to the binding together of hands as a symbolic act of unity. Using ribbons, lace, or cord, or material that has significance to the couple, the celebrant or chosen wedding guests bind together the hands of the couple either whilst or before they make their vows.
At the end of a handfasting, the celebrant explains that whilst the physical ties will be removed, the strength of the internal ties forged that day will remain.
Photo by Grant Lampard
Photo by Simple Tapestry
Photo by David Ashton
Photo by David Ashton
Other symbolic gestures
Humanist wedding ceremonies may include multiple rituals: unity candle-lighting, ‘tying the knot’, the cut-out heart race, and many more. Whatever you choose, your humanist celebrant will help you plan and rehearse them prior to the big day. They can also help develop or invent symbolic acts that help you tell your story as a couple.
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