Handfasting History: An Old Tradition Made New

SGC Admin: Summer time is a time of weddings, and each belief system has its own way of celebrating the act of marriage, or the joining of two lives… Check out what Patti Wigington has to share about the Pagan/Wiccan way of getting wed or Handfasting… 🙂 If you are planning your handfasting this summer, Patti has some helpful tips for you… oh and Congratulations… !!!

We’re now into the merry month of May, which means that handfasting season is upon us. Many people in the Pagan community opt to have a handfasting instead of the “traditional wedding” that our non-Pagan friends have. In some cases, it may be simply ceremonial — a couple declaring their love for one another without the benefit of a state license. For other couples, it can be tied in with a state marriage certification issued by a legally authorized party such as a clergyperson or justice of the peace. Either way, the handfasting is becoming more and more popular, as Pagan couples are seeing that there is indeed an alternative for non-Christians who want more than just a courthouse wedding. Today we’ll look at some of the things to keep in mind when you’re planning a handfasting, as well as tips to help make it a magical and successful day!

Handfasting History:

An Old Tradition Made New

In centuries gone by, handfasting was a popular custom in the British Isles. In rural areas, it could be weeks or even months before a clergyman happened to stop by your village, so couples learned to make allowances. A handfasting was the equivalent of today’s common-law marriage — a man and woman simply clasped hands and declared themselves married.

Handfasting History Spring is here, and love is in the air! For many people of Pagan faiths, this is the time of year for a handfasting ceremony. If you’re lucky enough to have someone you love this much, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind while planning your handfasting ceremony.

Handfasting Tips Sample Handfasting Ceremony If you’re planning on having a handfasting ceremony rather than a traditional wedding, you may want to work with your Pagan clergyperson on the writing of the vows. This is a sample ceremony that you can make adjustments to based upon your needs and your spiritual tradition. 

It’s become traditional to give each of your guests a small wedding favor. Typically, these are small trinkets with either the date of the event or the couples’ names on them. However, if you’re having a Pagan or Wiccan handfasting, rather than a traditional wedding ceremony, why not come up with an idea that celebrates your spiritual path, as well as announcing your commitment to the community? Magical Gifts for Your Guests

 Click Here to visit Patti and find our more about Paganism and Wiccan… 🙂