Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony - An Insight into a Beautiful Ritual

Love is a wondrous feeling that knows no boundaries. It is a celebration of unity, connection, and commitment that brings people together. When it comes to expressing love, different cultures have developed unique ceremonies that embody their traditions and values. One such ceremony that captures the essence of love, respect, and togetherness is the Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony.

The Origin of Handfasting

Handfasting has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions, which were prevalent in Ireland, Scotland, and surrounding areas. In Celtic culture, this ritual marked the public declaration of a couple's intention to marry or join their lives together. While it was not recognized as a legal marriage, handfasting held great spiritual and emotional significance.

The word "handfasting" refers to the act of fastening one's hands together, symbolizing the joining of two individuals on their journey through life. The cords used in the ceremony are typically made of various materials, representing the couple's individuality and unity.

Humanist, Celtic, Handfasting Ceremony: humanistic celtic handfasting

by Sahjan Johny(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The Humanistic Approach

Humanism, a philosophy that emphasizes human values and ethics, has found its way into the handfasting ceremony. Humanistic Celtic Handfasting combines ancient traditions with modern beliefs, creating a beautiful and meaningful union of two individuals.

This contemporary twist on the Celtic ritual allows couples to customize their ceremony according to their personal values, ensuring that it aligns with their beliefs. Humanistic Celtic Handfasting is inclusive, welcoming couples of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

The Ceremony

A Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony typically takes place outdoors, surrounded by nature's serenity. The setting can range from a picturesque garden to a mystical forest, providing a magical ambiance.

As the ceremony begins, the couple stand facing each other, hands touching and hearts connecting. An officiant, well-versed in the traditions and symbolism of handfasting, leads the ceremony.

The Handfasting cords used in this ritual carry deep meaning. They are often made of organic materials like silk, wool, or flax, representing the couple's connection to nature and the Earth. These cords can be of various colors, symbolizing different aspects of their union, such as love, trust, and passion.

The officiant guides the couple through a series of beautiful rituals, including the wrapping of the cords around their joined hands. As each cord is tied, a vow is spoken, representing a commitment or promise made by the couple. These vows are personal, heartfelt expressions of love and devotion.

Symbolism and Significance

Every aspect of a Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony holds deep symbolism. The circles formed by the cords around the couple's hands represent eternal love and unity. The act of handfasting signifies the joining of their lives together, and the cords serve as a tangible reminder of their commitment.

As the cords are tied, they bind the couple's hands, symbolizing the bond that will support and strengthen their relationship. This binding is not restrictive but rather a symbol of mutual support, cooperation, and trust.

The colors chosen for the cords also hold significance. Blue represents loyalty, trust, and stability, while green symbolizes growth, fertility, and balance. Yellow signifies joy, optimism, and enlightenment, while red represents passion, energy, and love.

Transformation and Renewal

Humanistic Celtic Handfasting is not just about the joining of two individuals; it also symbolizes growth and transformation. The ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in the couple's lives, where they grow together, supporting each other through life's challenges and celebrating its joys.

Just as the cords of the Handfasting ceremony are tied together, the couple's lives become intertwined. They embark on a journey of self-discovery and shared experiences, constantly evolving and renewing their commitment to each other.

A Lasting Bond

A Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony is more than a ritual; it is a celebration of love, spirituality, and individuality. It creates a lasting bond between two individuals, allowing them to create a life together based on shared values, trust, and respect.

Whether it is a couple choosing to honor their Celtic heritage or individuals in search of a meaningful and inclusive wedding ceremony, Humanistic Celtic Handfasting fulfills the desire for a timeless and beautiful union.

So, if you're looking to celebrate love in a way that embraces tradition and humanistic values, consider the magic of a Humanistic Celtic Handfasting Ceremony. Let your love be bound by cords woven with history, symbolism, and deep affection.

Humanist, Celtic, Handfasting Ceremony: humanistic celtic handfasting

by Sahjan Johny(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A Humanist Celtic style handfasting containing traditional elements modified to suit modern needs. There are no archaic word usages or references to deities or spirits.This ceremony was used in our handfasting in the UK in 2015. Our family and friends of all ages, enjoyed taking an active part in the ceremony; none of them having had any previous experience of handfastings. We developed this format because we felt the legal registry signing was too clinical and restrictive. We wanted something that reflected our feelings about marriage/civil partnership ceremonies and was inclusive of our family and friends who we also wanted to play a more active part than the official ceremonies allowed.Looking at other handfasting ceremonies we found on line, we discovered that they mostly invoked spirits and deities which we didn't feel comfortable with. Neither were they inclusive of traditional faiths, members of which would balk at being asked to participate in a ceremony invoking spirits. We also found they mostly attempted to reconstruct archaic language and formulas which were neither authentic nor flowed well as language. After long and extensive research we developed the following ceremony which we felt to be a romantic and authentic expression of our own, personal beliefs and thoughts about what we were committing to between us and our relationship to those around us. The language used in this ceremony should not offend people of any faith, or none. It does not invoke any deity, spirit or belief system. The language is modern though it includes many traditional, even ancient elements, some in the form of poetry. It was inclusive and had roles for a number of others who could read short verses or help with things like the chalice etc. It is also adaptable. You are free to cut parts you don't like and add others, such as music or even dance if it suits you. The ceremony could be held anywhere either indoors or outside in the open air. It's primarily intended to be fun and meaningful.We had participants who included Christians, atheists and agnostics and friends and family aged from 6months to their mid 80s. Everyone at our handfasting stated that they enjoyed the experience and they appeared to feel comfortable enough to take an active part in the ceremony. So, in that sense, it is a meaningful addition to signing the official register.We hope you too will enjoy what we created and that it will assist you in creating your own special day.With a little adaptation, it is therefore possible to combine this ceremony with an official signing of the register. To do this you will need to contact the local registry office and ensure that your setting possesses the required license as well as your proposed arrangements conforming to UK law.Enjoy.facebook.com/humanistceltichandfasting/