Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that dates back to 7000 B.C. Traditionally, when two people were brought to be married, a cord or piece of material was used to bind the couple’s hands together during the ceremony. This symbolised the joining of two lives and is where the expression ‘tying the knot’ comes from. Ancient Celtic law would see this union as a trial period that lasted for one year and one day which would ensure the couple was ready for the commitment of marriage.
Handfasting is rich in symbolism. The act of tying the knot represents the binding together of two lives. It’s a visual and physical manifestation of your commitment and unity. The cord or ribbon used in the ceremony can also carry symbolic meaning. Different colours can represent different qualities or aspirations for your marriage, such as love, trust, wisdom, and strength.
We have chosen purple and green for our handfasting ribbons. Here is a little symbolism around the colours.
Purple, symbolic of royalty, that your union may be worthy of respect and loyalty.
Purple is a highly unusual colour for handfasting ribbons. It is used to promise power to your partner. Historically, they’re only ever used in political or royal marriages. Purple ribbons are an oath to share resources and to serve one another in all endeavours.
Green, symbolic of charity and generosity, that you may share of yourselves freely.
Symbolic of growth that your union may be fruitful and your happiness abundant.
Symbolic of life and new beginnings, that your union may be nourishing and healing.
The color green is for health, renewal and good luck in abundance, and is related to the heart chakra.
Green is used in handfasting’s to represent a desire for growth and good health.
The symbolism of being bound together through choice, in the presence of the four elements, (earth, wind, fire and water), and the cardinal directions (north, south, east and west) is of high relevance. Pagans have a belief that only lack of love can break the binding between a handfasted couple; death even cannot.
What do the four corners or four directions represent in Wicca?Â
The four corners, or four directions, are east, south, west, and north. These directions correspond with certain elements, spirits (or elementals), colors, energies, and outcomes – and are often called in this order.
East: Symbolizes the sunrise, new beginnings, the air element, wind and breath, the mind and intellect, curiosity and exploration, Hagalaz or H rune (Norse), the color yellow.
Physical symbols for the circle or altar: Feathers, incense, ribbons, windchimes
South: Symbolizes midday, vitality and vibrance, the fire element, light and passion, the heart and desires, love and excitement, Dagaz or D rune (Norse), the color red.
Physical symbols for the circle or altar: Fire, candles, electric lights
West: Symbolizes the sunset, rest and reflection, the water element, emotions and intuition, spiritual depths and introspection, Berkano or B rune and Laguz or L rune (Norse), the color blue.
Physical symbols for the circle or altar: Cups or bowls of water, sea shells or river glass
North: Symbolizes grounding, homecoming and balance, the earth element, the physical body and its place in the natural world, Jera or Y rune (Norse), the color green
Physical symbols for the circle or altar: Stones, sand, soil, leaves and branches, fruit, herbs, flowers
Elements and Cardinal Directions
Each of the elements is associated with traits and meanings, as well as with directions on the compass. The following directional associations are for the northern hemisphere. Readers in the southern hemisphere should use the opposite correspondences. Also, if you live in an area that has unique elemental characteristics, it’s okay to include those. For example, if your house is on the Atlantic coast and there’s a big ocean right there to the east of you, it’s okay to use water for east!
Earth
Connected to the north, the earth is considered the ultimate feminine element. The earth is fertile and stable, associated with the Goddess. The planet itself is a ball of life and as the wheel of the year turns, we can watch all the aspects of life take place: birth, life, death, and finally rebirth. The earth is nurturing and stable, solid and firm, full of endurance and strength. In color correspondences, both green and brown connect to the earth, for fairly obvious reasons. In tarot readings, the earth is related to the suit of pentacles or coins.
Air
Air is the element of the east, connected to the soul and the breath of life. If you’re doing a working related to communication, wisdom, or the powers of the mind, air is the element to focus on. Air carries away your troubles, blows away strife, and carries positive thoughts to those who are far away. Air is associated with the colors yellow and white and connects to the tarot suit of swords.
Fire
Fire is purifying, masculine energy associated with the south, and connected to strong will and energy. Fire both creates and destroys, and symbolizes the fertility of God. Fire can heal or harm. It can bring about new life or destroy the old and worn. In tarot, fire is connected to the wand suit. For color correspondences, use red and orange for fire associations.
Water
Water is a feminine energy and highly connected with the aspects of the Goddess. Used for healing, cleansing, and purification, Water is related to the west and associated with passion and emotion. In many spiritual paths, including Catholicism, consecrated water plays a role. Holy water is just regular water with salt added to it, and usually, a blessing or invocation is said above it. In some Wiccan covens, such water is used to consecrate the circle and all the tools within it. As you may expect, water is associated with the color blue, and the tarot suit of cup cards.