Moises Figueroa

What is a Celtic ritual? Better known as Handfasting, it is a romantic ceremony full of symbolism, ideal for couples who want to add an emotional moment to their civil or religious wedding. Find out how to perform it in the following lines.

Who were the Celts

The Celts were diverse tribal peoples who lived in regions of central and western Europe in the late Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Their culture revolved around nature, while their society, egalitarian between men and women, was based on the concept of a large family.

Julio Castrot Photography

What is a Celtic wedding

It's not really a marriage, though, is the name given to the ceremony of handfasting or Handfasting. The Celts celebrated it to unite two people temporarily for a year and a day, after which the couple would decide whether they wanted to stay together or go their separate ways.

It corresponds to a link in deep connection with nature. In which two souls are united so that their strengths and qualities are duplicated, at the same time that they make up for their shortcomings and defects, with the support and learning of the other.

It should be noted that the Celtic ceremony in Chile is increasingly requested in addition to religious or civil marriages.

Location

Because it is a ceremony that honors the environment, Celtic unions are always take place in an outdoor environment Therefore, you can choose a location in the countryside, on the beach or in the woods, or, if you are going to do it in the city, opt for a garden.

The Celtic rite is preceded by one or two officiants, specially prepared for this purpose.

Wedding Brushstrokes - Ceremonies

The altar

The altar for a Celtic wedding ceremony is placed inside a circle formed by white flowers and four candles. arranged on the cardinal points.

Facing North, on the altar is placed a golden candle symbolizing the sun, a silver candle representing the moon, a white candle embodying those present, and a bowl with salt and a bowl with water, in manifestation of earth and water.

Beginning of the rite

After the officiant welcomes the bride and groom with a statement of purpose, the bride and groom will enter from the East, hand in hand with their parents or godparents, and stand inside the circle.

They will begin by reciting prayers to honor their ancestors and then present symbolic gifts to their parents, placing an offering representing Mother Earth on the altar.

Hand binding

After delivering the offering, the most important part of the Celtic ceremony will come, which is the tying of hands or Handfasting.

How to do a Handfasting? The officiant will join the hands of both, from right to left, and tie them with a ribbon as a symbol of eternity.

Thus, their hands will be tied together forming an eight, which not only symbolizes infinity, but also the union of the moon and the sun, as well as the feminine and masculine energies.

Wedding Brushstrokes - Ceremonies

Votes

Afterwards, the officiant will bless the rings and then the bride and groom will swear to honor each other, as well as to bring light, love and happiness to this union .

Once the oath has been taken, the bride and groom should untie their hands without untying the knot and proceed to exchange rings.

Then they will take the so-called stone of good wishes (or wedding stone), they will consecrate it and, to finish the rite, both will eat a piece of bread and drink a sip of wine, as a way of thanking nature. And at the same time, they will drop a few drops of wine and a piece of bread on the ground.

Jumping the broom

But before the bride and groom leave the circle to receive congratulations from the guests, they must jump over a broom on the floor, signifying the transition to their new life together.

This is because the broom symbolizes the utensil that cleanses the old and gives way to the new. Both must jump holding hands and only then will the Celtic marriage ceremony be finished. At that moment, if the number of people allows it, they can form a big circle among all.

Clothing

Although it is not a requirement, one idea is to imitate the costumes worn by the Celts. when it comes to choosing their bridal outfits.

The bride, for example, opt for a loose-fitting dress, A-line or empire cut, made of light fabrics such as tulle, chiffon, bambula or georgette.

They can choose a dress with flared sleeves for a spring/summer ceremony or a cape and hooded gown for a fall/winter wedding. And for the hair, incorporate a headpiece or flower crown.

The groom, meanwhile, may opt for braccae-style trousers, paired with a tunic-style shirt and a belt.

On the other hand, the Celts wore a lot of jewelry, so don't hesitate to incorporate it into your attire.

Gabriel Alvear

Traditions associated with the Celtic rite

It is worth noting that there are other practices associated with a Celtic ceremony, including that of the magic scarf, which indicates that the bride should carry a special handkerchief with some stitches You can wear this handkerchief tied to the bouquet of flowers or perhaps in your hairstyle.

The salt myth According to this culture, this acts as protection against the evil eye.

In addition, the Celts believed that getting married on a crescent moon and at high tide was the best omen to attract happiness.

And with regard to the Handfasting loops, colours also have a specific meaning That's why many couples braid ribbons of different colors, depending on what they want to enhance in their union.

• Orange: goodness and kindness.
• Yellow: balance and harmony.
• Green: health and fertility.
• Celeste: understanding and patience.
• Blue: longevity and strength.
• Purple: progress and healing.
• Pink: romance and joy.
• Red: passion and courage.
• Brown: talent and skill.
• Golden: unity and prosperity.
• Silver: creativity and protection.
• White: peace and truth.
• Black: s wisdom and success.

How to do a red string ceremony, or the wine ritual? If you liked the hand tying, there are several other symbolic rites you can explore to incorporate into your marriage.