The Hand Fasting Ceremony
Meaning - This ceremony emphasizes that couple will be bound together by choice
Time - about 3 to 5 minutes
Supplies - Ribbons or cords of different color – enough to allow the number of participants the couple wants to join them in the binding part of the ceremony
Placement - This Ceremony Enhancement is done after the Ring Ceremony and before the Declaration and Introduction.
Example of the wording for this Enhancement:
Spoken by the Officiant
_____ and _____ are standing with their left sides together. This position has so many meanings to consider.
_____’s ring hand close to _____’s ring hand implies that you are bound by your vows.
Our hearts are on the left side of our bodies so _____ heart is close to _____ heart and they are now are bound by the feelings in their hearts.
Standing left to left has you facing each other assuming each will always have the other in mind. From this position also you can each see behind each other, you will now be watching their back above your own. This is acceptable since your beloved should have yours covered.
Side by side is how you will face the world but face to face is how you will love each other. When you stand facing one another and join all four of the hands they symbol of eternity is created. By fasting your hands together you wish to stand together longer than a lifetime.
_____ and _____, are you now ready to continue and take your vows not as two but as one?
“We are”
Is it also your wish today that your hands be fasted in the ways of old?
“It is”
Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind.
Action
Ribbons or cords are held aloft for guests to see
The role already taken by the song your hearts share shall be now be strengthened by the vows you take. All things of the material world eventually return to the Earth unlike the bond and the connection your spirits share which is destined to ascend to the heavens.
Do you vow to keep open your hearts and minds that neither words nor the lack of them shall ever cause a silence to dwell between you that your love cannot bridge?
“We do”
Action
Participant #1 comes forward, taking the next Ribbon or Cord and lays it over the couple’s hands. Participant # 1 should say, “We wish for you both a bright future, filled with joy and happiness.” Participant # 1 gently ties the Ribbon/Cord around the couple’s wrist then steps back.
Do you vow to ever remember to take joy in life, and in each other, never forgetting it is the matters of the heart that are real?
“We do”
Action
Participant #2 comes forward, taking the next Ribbon or Cord and lays it over the couple’s hands. Participant # 2 should say, “We wish for you eternal love and passion for life.” Participant # 2 gently ties the Ribbon/Cord around the couple’s wrist then steps back.
Do you vow to share whatever burdens the mundane world may present, in that overcoming them together your spirits shall grow towards a common hope, dream and reality?
“We do”
Action
Participant #3 comes forward, taking the next Ribbon or Cord and lays it over the couple’s hands. Participant # 3 should say, “We wish for you good health and abundance with prosperity, now and forever.” Participant # 3 gently ties the Ribbon/Cord around the couple’s wrist then steps back.
Do you vow to love and cherish each other keeping sacred above all else, the place your hearts hold for one another?
“We do”
Action
Participant #4 comes forward, taking the next Ribbon or Cord and lays it over the couple’s hands. Participant # 4 should say, “We wish for you peace and serenity.” Participant #4 gently ties the Ribbon/Cord around the couple’s wrist then steps back.
May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of your spirits, and the deepest love that your souls have to give, ever steadfast and unwavering, yet as full of promise and fresh as the dawn on each new horizon.
You are now as your hearts have always known you to be.