Posted by Ernest__CT on 5/1/08 9:14am
Msg #245795

Handfasting: Questions (with a description)

Have you done one? Either as part of a wedding or not, your own or for someone else?

Briefly, a couple clasps hands and the celebrant binds their hands with ribbons or symbolic cords. It is from hansfasting that we get the phrase "Tying the knot" meaning getting married. Handfasting can be legally binding (sorry) if it is done by someone authorized to perform marriages. Handfasting can also by purely symbolic, for example a trial marriage for a year and a day.

There's much more, but it is likely to be of little interest to Notary Signing Agents unless they are also authorized to perform weddings. Anyone who wants more information is urged to visit WWW dot Handfastings dot Org. _Do not be put off by some association with Pagans and Wiccans!_ People of many faiths, including Christianity and Judiasm, have handfastings but do not call them by that name.

I am looking for information from someone who either performs handfastings (legal or otherwise) or who has been handfasted. Thank you!

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 5/1/08 9:29am
Msg #245801

Do not be put off by some association with Pagans and Wiccan

Why? Are we going to eat your children and sacrifice virgins?

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 5/1/08 9:30am
Msg #245802

I'm joking of course :D n/m

Reply by GLRMbile on 5/1/08 7:00pm
Msg #245877

Re: Do not be put off by some association with Pagans and Wi

Too funny Happy Beltane that would be May Day for Muggles

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 5/1/08 9:39am
Msg #245804

Try this website:

www.ehow.com/how_2097580_perform-handfasting-ritual.html

Reply by Maureen_nh on 5/1/08 10:55am
Msg #245817

I have performed a couple of handfastings and even done the whole bit with the circle and calling of the elements.
The couples that I have done this for have not been associated with any covens. If they were they would have the priest or priestess perform them.
Mostly it is couples with no religous affiliation, but who want a pagan or naturalistic wedding.
As long as the legal requirements are met it is a legal, binding transaction.
I have not done any of the non legal ceremonies.

Reply by John_NorCal on 5/1/08 1:27pm
Msg #245840

It also helps to check your state laws just to be sure. Handfasting had its origin in Europe when couples would basically state their intentions while the waited for the priest or priestess to make their round at a later date. In certain parts of Europe handfasting is not recognized, I believe the British Isles prohibit it.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/1/08 2:20pm
Msg #245849

Not all the British Isles.
I believe it is still legal in Scotland though.

In England a marriage, unless it is performed in the Church of England must have a registrar present, and also must take place in an approved venue.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 5/1/08 8:47pm
Msg #245885

Thanks, Sylvia (and some clarifications)

Handfasting is a traditional ceremony. If it is used as (part of) a wedding ceremony by someone _authorized_ to join people in matrimony it certainly is _one_ legal form of marriage ceremony. That means that it depends on the laws of the state (in the US) or nation who can _legally_ marry people. In CT, for example, a Notary Public cannot perform marriages; a Justice of the Peace can. Depending on the government laws, certain words, witnesses, et cetera, may be require to fulfill the legal qualifications for marriage.

Scotland had a lot of Handfasting, for all the reasons described, and Handfasting by itself was legal marriage into the 20th century.

Handfasting is no more illegal than baptism, bris, or bar (bat) mitvah.

Thanks to all for your Posts and information!