Blessing for the of Jenn and Erin

Definition of Handfasting

Handfasting is a that is centuries old. The couple is going to join hands creating an infinity symbol and I will bind their hands together with fabric. This is where we get the expression “tie the knot.” It is an ancient ritual that was done in ancient earth-based religions but also became a part of traditional Christian .

The key element of handfasting is that it is a commitment that Jenn and Erin are making to EACH OTHER. Handfasting doesn’t require a third person. (To couple) I’m here to help you bind your hands together, and this community is here to support you, but you and you alone are wedding EACH OTHER by creating this covenant in this moment. Just as it is you two who will create your for the rest of your lives after this moment is over.

[Connect hands together and wrap a scarf around them to symbolize the handfasting]

Handfasting Blessing

These are the hands that first you shook as acquaintances, and then as friends, and then held as committed partners. Over time, each time you held these hands, deepened, connection was forged, even as these hands remained the same.

These are the hands that first touched your cheek, that held you close as you discovered the magic of that first embrace and that first ; the first of many that would bring you to this day.

These are the hands that held yours, just moments ago as you stepped up to this spot to take your , giving you both courage, holding you both in a common embrace. These hands have already brought you through countless meaningful events before this moment.

Yet, these are hands that will do even more for you both, as you go forward from this day. These are the hands you will hold as you leave this spot, as a couple, as married women.

These are the hands that will work for each other, the hands that will build your home together, prepare meals to share at the end of the day, soothe aching muscles, embrace you in times of struggle, and high five you when you succeed. These are the hands that will hold you up when you are discouraged, and hold you back when you are overzealous. They will do all this, not out of duty, but out of .

I invite you to hold these hands with reverence and awe every time you join them. Appreciate the fact that each time you reach for your ’s hand, and each time she accepts your hand into her own, represents this commitment you have made to each other on this day.

Your married life begins today, but it also begins anew each time you join these hands.

Feel her hands in yours in this moment and thank all that you consider divine for the of this wonderful person you are now connected to. You are placing your hands in each other’s that you may hold onto this life, and this marriage, with great firmness, and with great love.