Handfasting is more than just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of love, unity, and commitment.
What is Handfasting?
Couples are increasingly seeking unique and meaningful ways to celebrate their love. One such enchanting trend gaining popularity is handfasting – a ritual deeply rooted in tradition and symbolic meaning.
Originating from Celtic and Norse cultures, handfasting is a ceremony that symbolises the union of two souls through the binding of hands. This ancient practice is rich in symbolism, with each element representing significant aspects of your commitment and journey together. It’s a wonderful way to infuse your weddings with a more personal touch.
One of the most exciting aspects of this tradition is choosing the colours for the cords, as each hue holds its own symbolic significance. Let’s explore the art of choosing colours for handfasting cords, blending tradition, symbolism, and personal connection to create a ceremony that truly reflects your love story.
Choose your colours:
Colours have been used throughout history to convey emotions, sentiments, and cultural meanings. When selecting handfasting cord colours, it’s essential to understand the symbolism behind each hue. Here are some common colour associations:
Red: Represents passion, love, and strength.
Blue: Symbolizes tranquillity, loyalty, and communication.
Green: Signifies growth, fertility, and harmony.
Yellow: Represents joy, optimism, and new beginnings.
Purple: Symbolizes royalty, spirituality, and transformation.
White: Represents purity, unity, and new beginnings.
Black: Symbolizes mystery, protection, and the blending of energies.
Make it personal:
Consider incorporating your cultural background or personal beliefs into the colour selection. For example, if you have Celtic roots, you might choose colours associated with Celtic symbolism or your family tartan. Alternatively, you could blend the colours of your birthstones or those significant to your heritage.
Infuse your handfasting cords with personal meaning by choosing colours that hold significance in your relationship. Perhaps the colour of the clothes you wore on your first date, the shade of the sky during a memorable moment, or the hues of your favourite flowers. This personal touch adds a layer of intimacy and nostalgia to the ceremony.
Consider the Season:
The time of year can influence your colour choices. If you’re having a spring handfasting, you might be drawn to pastels and light tones. Autumn ceremonies could feature warm, earthy colours, while winter celebrations may include deep, rich hues. Aligning your colour choices with the season can enhance the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the ceremony.
Balancing Energies:
You might incorporate a balance of colours to represent the diverse energies within your relationship. A combination of passionate reds, calming blues, and harmonious greens can create a visually striking and emotionally resonant set of handfasting cords.
How do you Choose:
Choosing colours for handfasting cords is a deeply personal and symbolic process. By understanding the meanings behind different hues, blending traditions, infusing personal touches, considering the season, and balancing energies, you can create a set of cords that not only look beautiful but also tell the unique story of your love.
Making it yours:
Together we can transform this ancient tradition into something deeply meaningful and personal. As your wedding celebrant I will work closely with you both to understand your values, preferences, and spiritual beliefs, ensuring the ceremony reflects your individuality. Whether it’s incorporating specific colours into the cords, weaving in cultural elements, or inviting your loved ones to take part, I will guide you in creating a handfasting ceremony that speaks to your hearts.