Pagan handfasting is a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony that has gained popularity among people who identify as Pagans or follow the Wiccan faith. This ceremony typically involves the binding of the couple's hands with colorful cords or ribbons, symbolizing their unity and commitment to each other. The colors of these cords or ribbons often hold significant meanings within the Pagan and Wiccan traditions. The choice of colors in Pagan handfasting ceremonies can vary depending on personal preference or cultural traditions. However, there are some commonly recognized color associations within the Pagan and Wiccan communities. White is often associated with purity, clarity, and spiritual growth.
If you would like to weave beads or other objects into your handfasting, you might want to use a smaller diameter cord. Some people have used Celtic knots (an awesome example is shown above using ivory and silver cords), shells, flowers, and Chinese double happiness charms. Other materials you could introduce onto the mix are strips of hemp twine and other materials, depending on the theme of your wedding ceremony. These are particularly lovely in an outside, rustic wedding ceremony. In the image below we see blush organza mixed with hemp ribbon which I think is a beautiful mix for a rustic handfasting ceremony.
The term was presumably loaned into English from Old Norse handfesta to strike a bargain by joining hands ; there are also comparanda from the Ingvaeonic languages Old Frisian hondfestinge and Middle Low German hantvestinge. The couple may choose four to six colors or more if children are involved, that represent what they feel are the most important to them in their marriage.
White is often associated with purity, clarity, and spiritual growth. It represents a clean start and a connection to the divine. White cords or ribbons may be used to symbolize the couple's intention to begin their union with a pure and open heart.
Pagan handfasting color meaninvs
Deluxe Handfasting Cord binding a Pagan couple during their wedding ceremony in a forest in Co. Meath. Using material and flowers from the brides wedding dress, diamante chains, charms and beads including colours of significance, this Deluxe Handfasting Cord was created by Vanessa at Aisle Do! Wedding Services, Ireland. Photo credit: © MIAN Photography, Ireland
Handfasting is a beautiful element incorporated into a wedding ceremony. A Handfasting Ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In ancient Ireland, when two people chose to be married, they were brought together, symbolically bound to have a braided cord or coloured ribbon tied around their hands by the celebrant in marriage. The term “Tying the Knot” comes from the tradition of Handfasting.
In many cases colours of these ribbons or cords in traditional Celtic Handfasting have a special meaning and by incorporating these colours that bind the couple's wrists into a Handfasting cord, they are invoking these very special meanings.
The Handfasting cords themselves can either be several colors twisted into one cord and then used for a single cord ceremony or each color can be draped individually as in the multi cord Handfasting. The couple may choose four to six colors or more if children are involved, that represent what they feel are the most important to them in their marriage.
Contact me to discuss what you would like in your cord, include pendents, material from your wedding dress or loved one, add a loved one charm or something else of significance that is important to the both of you.
- Red - will, love, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigor, passion
- Orange - encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty, kindness.
- Yellow - attraction, charm, confidence, balance, harmony
- Green - fertility, luck, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, love
- Dark Blue -for a safe journey, longevity & strength
- Light Blue - tranquility, understanding, patience, health
- Purple - healing, health, strength, power, progress
- Black - strength, empowerment, wisdom/vision, success, pure love
- White - spiritual purity, truth, peace, serenity and devotion
- Gray - balance, neutrality, used in erasing, canceling, neutralizing, and return to the universe without repercussion
- Pink - love, unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness
- Brown - for healing , skills & talent, nurturing, home & hearth, the earth.
- Silver - for creativity, inspiration & vision, and protection.
- Gold - for unity, longevity, prosperity, strength.
Do you pledge to be each other’s friend, to love and be a loyal husband and wife for the rest of your lives together?
Red is a color often associated with passion, love, and vitality. It symbolizes the fiery and passionate nature of the couple's love and their commitment to nurturing and maintaining a passionate relationship. Blue is commonly associated with communication, wisdom, and intuition. It represents the ability to effectively communicate and understand each other's needs and desires, as well as the cultivation of a deep and intuitive connection. Green is often associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. It symbolizes the couple's desire for a fruitful and bountiful life together, both in terms of their relationship and any future endeavors or family they may undertake. Purple is commonly associated with spirituality, mysticism, and transformation. It represents the couple's commitment to support each other's spiritual growth and their willingness to embrace change and transformation individually and as a couple. Yellow is often associated with joy, happiness, and optimism. It symbolizes the couple's intention to bring joy, laughter, and positivity into their lives together, as well as their commitment to maintaining a light-hearted and joyful relationship. Black is commonly associated with protection, grounding, and the shadow self. It represents the couple's commitment to supporting and protecting each other through difficult times and embracing the darker aspects of themselves and their relationship with love and acceptance. These are just a few examples of the color associations within Pagan handfasting ceremonies. It is important to note that the meanings of these colors can vary among different Pagan and Wiccan traditions, and personal interpretations may also differ. Ultimately, the colors chosen for a handfasting ceremony should hold personal significance for the couple and reflect their unique journey and intentions..
Reviews for "The Significance of Olive Green in Pagan Handfasting Traditions"
1. Emma - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Pagan handfasting color meanings". The book lacked clarity and didn't provide enough information on the topic. I was hoping to learn more about the symbolism and significance of different colors in Pagan handfasting ceremonies, but the explanations given felt incomplete and superficial. Overall, it felt like the author didn't put much effort into researching and providing a comprehensive guide on this subject. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for in-depth information on Pagan handfasting color meanings.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I found "Pagan handfasting color meanings" to be a bit too simplistic for my taste. The book only scratched the surface of the topic and left me wanting more. The author provides a basic overview of the colors commonly used in Pagan handfasting ceremonies, but I was hoping for more detailed explanations and examples. It would have been helpful if the book included more context and historical background on how these color meanings developed within Pagan traditions. Overall, I felt like this book could have delved deeper into the subject and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I regret purchasing "Pagan handfasting color meanings". The book was poorly written and poorly edited. There were numerous grammatical errors and typos throughout, which made it difficult to read and take seriously. Additionally, the author's writing style was overly simplistic, and it felt like the information was just thrown together without much thought or research. I would recommend looking for other resources if you're interested in learning about the color meanings in Pagan handfasting ceremonies. This book is not worth the time or money.