Friday, February 6, 2009

Hand Fasting

Over the last couple of days I have been looking through a packet of papers our Officiant supplied us a while back. We decided to do our own thing when it came to the ceremony and who would doing the ceremony. We met her during an open house at the resort and I was immediately sold and new she would be perfect for our wedding. She told us we could do anything we wanted and then she discussed the tying of the knot ceremony. Now, I am Orthodox and it is custom in our weddings to do a hand fasting with a white piece of silk. So, I was already understanding the basic concept of it but was interested in how she performs the ceremony. To give you a little idea of how it goes...The bride and groom join hands right to right and left to left forming the sign of infinity.

Hand Fasting Ceremony
The are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countess time wipe the tears from your eye; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, every thing you wish for, can be realized.

Then specific questions are asked to the couple and they reply accordingly...after a couple questions a cord is draped across their hands. After the 6th cord is draped and a knot is formed. The binding is made! It is definitely symbolic! For more information and details about the ceremony go
HERE. Mrs. Hummingbird from Weddingbee gives a great explanation and more detail of the ceremony.

Are you doing anything special...different in your ceremony?

2 comments:

Amanda B. Young said...

Love this! I think it is so special when couples incorporate traditions of their faith and/or family. Those are the things you will truly remember and cherish about the day. Thanks for sharing!

JennyLee said...

I love that you are doing this. My husband and I did the "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony and it was one of favorite moments!