How does a hand fasting work? How is it different from marriage?

We are not getting married (for social-political reasons), but we are a permanent couple, and we will have a family soon. We don’t want to be recognised as a married couple, but someone recommended hand fasting as an alternative. Will you tell us about it?

Handfasting is only different in terms of the ritual used. You can have a legal handfasting, but, as with a marriage, you could have a ceremony without using a registrar. Some people opt for a commitment ceremony.

Anyway, a handfasting is an old tradition used by many modern Pagans. The ceremony includes the binding of the couple’s hands with ribbon or cord, symbolising the bonds of love. Without the legality of a marriage certificate, you could view a handfasting as a commitment ceremony.


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4 Responses to “How does a hand fasting work? How is it different from marriage?”

  1. omnithought says:

    Same thing, but without the legal contract. You can make up any ritual you like.
    References :

  2. mia delight says:

    It is a commitment between a man and woman to be married in a year and a day. It is a celtic custom. It could be compared to common law marriage. Some are consummated some are not.
    References :

  3. Berny says:

    While not trying to cast aspersion on you choices, I would caution you with regards to being united without some form of legal contract. There are different ramifications depending on where you live (inheritance, property, and medical intervention laws to name but three). Where I live in Canada, having a child automatically grants you the same legal rights as a married couple. I’m not sure if this applies anywhere else.
    References :

  4. Justin C says:

    Handfasting is only different in terms of the ritual used. You can have a legal handfasting, but, as with a marriage, you could have a ceremony without using a registrar. Some people opt for a commitment ceremony.

    Anyway, a handfasting is an old tradition used by many modern Pagans. The ceremony includes the binding of the couple’s hands with ribbon or cord, symbolising the bonds of love. Without the legality of a marriage certificate, you could view a handfasting as a commitment ceremony.
    References :

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