The Handfasting

The following is the text of the Handfasting ceremony Kieran and Kerry had at their marriage. This was as well as the normal marriage vows and was introduced by the minister as something they had requested specially. She had to amend it slightly as it's an ancient Celtic ceremony with some possibly pagan undertones which the minister felt she couldn't include. Incidentally the minister did an excellent job considering she was given only a few days to prepare it. How she managed to know the cord with one hand only was a piece of magic, I thought. Or expertise of a minister.

The cord they used to do the binding was a long piece of tartan they bought on one of their first dates, if not the first. They had gone to the clan gathering in Holyrood Park and Kieran felt a piece of tartan was appropriate for Kerry to wear or carry. He was in his kilt of course. The Binding was a very romantic touch and typical of the two of them.

This was the only time during the day that I had a tear in my eye. Except maybe when I went to bed and thought about all the times I shared with him since he was eight years old.

"Kerry, take Kierans’s hands palms up,
so you may see the gift that they are to you:

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love,
that are holding yours on your wedding day,
as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

Now Kieran, please take Kerry’s hands, palms up,
so you may see the gift that they are to you:

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young, and carefree,
that are holding yours on your wedding day,
as she promises to love you all the days of her life.

Now, please join hands so that they may be fasted in the ways of old.
Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind…

The love already shared by your hearts
Has been strengthened by the vows you have taken
You will be bound by your love and the love of God as you are bound by your clasped hands
From now until the end of your days

[As the following is recited, wrapped  hands with cords]

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together

These are the hands that will hold you whenever illness, fear, or grief may find you.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children

These are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours

[Binding is finished and cords are knotted]

Bless these hands that you see before you this day.
May they always reach out with love, gentleness, and respect.
May they build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime.
May they always be held by one another.

Now, you may remove the cords,
but remember the knot as a lasting symbol of your commitment to one another and to God this day."

The knotted cord was then placed in Kieran's sporran for safe keeping. Let's wish them both a very long and happy life together. I love you both Kieran and Kerry.