By Rev. Karem Barratt…
Hand fasting is becoming more popular now days, not only for the Pagan/spiritual communities, but also for secular people. Some suggest that its origin are to be found in the ancient Celtic tribes, although similar ceremonies can also be found in some branches of Christianity, such a Greek Orthodox. Plainly speaking, at its core hand fasting is pretty straight forward. As the name implies, the couples’ hands (usually the right) are loosely tied by a chord or long piece of cloth as they say their vowels and are declared officially united. Then they take the chord with them as a token of their commitment. In some traditions, hand fasting represents a temporary binder of “a year and a day” for the couple to see if their relationship can really work. Afterwards, they can do a permanent hand fasting, stay as they are or renew the handfasting every year.
Recently, I was asked to create a hand fasting ceremony somewhat different. The couple were spiritual, but not religious, but also shared a deep love for nature. They like the idea of the hand fasting, but they somehow felt that “un-fasting” the chord seemed a bit odd. After talking for a while, we agree on a variation on the theme. As they were doing their wedding blessing outdoors, we decided to tie the chord around a baby tree to be planted during the ceremony. Here’s a short excerpt of M and I’s “tree fasting” wedding blessing.
“Celebrant: Now M and I will tie their cords to one of the branches of the willow tree and say a blessing.
(M and I tie together their cords first and then tie the cords to the tree. Then the Bride takes the water can and the Groom with earth.)
M: may the Divine nourish and sustain our love as this earth nourishes and sustains this tree. (He puts some of the earth at the bottom of the tree. Minister hands him a small towel)
I: may the living waters of Life nourish and sustain our love as this water nourishes and sustains this tree.
Together: (putting their hands over the tree): may your roots be strong and your branches touch the sky. May you be a home for many and provide inspired thoughts of love, beauty and hope to passers-by. May Spirit overflow its love over you and make you a cup of abundance and life. May you be a blessing to this forest, a mirror for our love and a symbol for our oneness with all there is. May all of us here present be bless with love and joys, today and always. So be it.”
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