“Handfasting is the symbolic act of a couple's hands being tied together, often with cords or ribbons, representing their union. For modern-day couples who choose to be handfasted, it is usually the main focus of their wedding day or engagement and is seen as strongly symbolic and spiritual.” (BBC, 2014)
It is widely agreed that the exact origins of handfasting ceremonies are impossible to locate, though it has been an ancient British custom for thousands of years. Many of sources indicate that it was done as a type of pagan worship, especially popular among ancient Celts. In ancient Britain it was down as a sort of informal wedding ceremony, a style very popular among the commoners. Instead of a large expensive wedding, that they could not afford, they instead chose to show their commitment to each other in front of a small group of friends and family. Landowners and gentry usually favored the more official style of weddings that we are familiar with today. This prevented any disputes to the authenticity of the marriage, which became very important when inheritance was factored in. A common misunderstanding in the purpose of a handfasting was that it was a form of betrothal, or a trial marriage, that only lasted for a year and a day. This probably stems from the annual festivals that were held being a popular and traditional time to get engaged. This myth became even more widely spread after Sir Walter Scott used the imagery in his novel The Monastery (1820). (BBC, 2014)
Handfasting ceremonies have seen a massive rise in popularity with the growth of NeoPaganism. Typically, a Pagan handfasting was meant to be a secret ceremony, held only in front of your coven or study group. As Wicca and Paganism becomes more main stream, however, more and more couples are finding ways to work their Pagan and Wiccan spirituality into their marriage ceremony.
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