In the Celtic tradition, the Handfasting Ceremony includes 13 ribbons, each with its own meaning.

Handfasting Ceremony and Handfasting Ribbons

The Handfasting Ceremony is an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. There are many versions of this gesture illustrating the union of husband and wife and is the origin of the phrase "tying the knot".

Whether you're Irish or not, you may want to include Handfasting Ribbons in your ceremony as a meaningful ritual. Here, the Reverend David James of Mt. Kisco, NY shares the reading he uses during handfasting that may be modified to fit into your own ceremony.

First, the officiant asks the couple to hold hands or place them side by side, then places the handfasting ribbons around the hands and wrists to "join" the couple.

Officiant:"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears form your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Short form or conclusion for the above

With this cord, I bind [name] and [name] to the vows they make to each other. (Wrap wrists with the ribbons)

The knots of this binding are not formed by this cord, but by your vows. You hold in your hands and hearts the making or breaking of this union. May your marriage be blessed with patience and dedication, forgiveness and respect, love and understanding. (Officiant Unties the ribbons)

Shop for your Handfasting Ceremony

Read more about The Colors of Handfasting