About Handfastings

Question

What is a Handfasting Ceremony?

Answer

"A handfasting ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition, symbolizing the binding together of two people (and the origin of the phrase 'tying the knot!')... During the ceremony, the officiant begins by explaining the ritual and what it means to the couple. This statement often includes the notion of the couple binding their lives together and the union of their hopes and desires." https://www.brides.com/story/handfasting-wedding-ceremony-101

Question

What is a handfasting cord?

Answer

"During the Handfasting ceremony, the couple’s hands are tied together with one or several colored cords or ribbons, symbolizing the desire of the couple to be united. The cord is often kept by the couple in a box or ornate bag as a reminder of their vows... Each of the cord colors has its own special symbolic meaning..." https://www.forevertogetherseattle.com/handfasting-an-ancient-wedding-tradition/ These are the colors we have chosen and their meanings: Pink: Unity, Honor, truth, romance, happiness Blue: Tranquility, Patience, Devotion and Sincerity Yellow: Charm, Confidence, Joy and Balance We will braid these ribbons together and then braid that with a strip from each of our county tartan. Carin: Donegal Ihanne: Offaly

Question

Is a handfasting legally binding?

Answer

Handfastings can be legally binding if the bride and groom choose to use someone who is ordained and file a marriage certificate with the state. No matter what, a handfasting is a spiritually binding contract between two people who choose to hare their lives together as one. In times past, a couple would promise each other one year and one day of devotion, with the intention of formalizing that union for a period of 3 years, 6 years, 9 years or a lifetime. If after a year and a day the couple felt as though they were not compatible, they had the choice to move on with no ill intent toward the other and no obligations. Ihanne and I are choosing to promise each other a lifetime. Our year and a day has come and gone eight times over, all we have left is our lives. <3

Question

Will YOUR (OUR) marriage be legal?

Answer

This one seems to be really important to people, and I don't know why. We are to be spiritually bound to each other for life, and that should be enough, BUT for those who feel as though this matters, I will share our thoughts on the matter. NO - we are NOT filing a marriage certificate with the state. We do not believe in allowing the government to dictate our rights to, or with, each other. YES - we already have a lawyer involved who is helping us to draw up legal forms that protect us when it comes to making decisions about medical care and being at each other's side in a time of medical need. Also, these papers would include a protection for Ihanne to allow him to be there in the future for our children should anything ever happen to me. We will be signing them, along with a handfasting certificate AT the ceremony to make it all official. <3

Question

What is the significance of the date?

Answer

April 30 is Beltane's Eve and May 1 is May Day. "...On May Eve the sexuality of life and the earth is at its peak. Abundant fertility, on all levels, is the central theme. The Maiden goddess has reached her fullness. She is the manifestation of growth and renewal, Flora, the Goddess of Spring, the May Queen, the May Bride. The Young Oak King, as Jack-In-The-Green, as the Green Man, falls in love with her and wins her hand. The union is consummated and the May Queen becomes pregnant. Together the May Queen and the May King are symbols of the Sacred Marriage (or Heiros Gamos), the union of Earth and Sky, and this union has merrily been re-enacted by humans throughout the centuries...." "Although the origins of May Day are difficult to pinpoint, we can trace our modern festivities back to a few different celebrations, most of which come from pagan traditions. We can still see many elements of those traditions in the flowers, colorful ribbons, and tall poles that mark May Day today."

Question

Links to more information about Beltane's Eve and May Day

Answer

This is the source material for the answers above. I quoted directly from the websites, and as a journalist I believe in always citing your sources. Beltane's Eve: https://celticawitch.wordpress.com/the-wheel-of-the-year/beltane/ May Day: http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/secular-philosophies/the-pagan-origins-of-may-day.aspx Additional info: The Goddess & The Green Man: http://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/beltane History of the Maypole: https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-maypole-2561629 Greenwood Marriages and the Fiery Passions of Beltane: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-laurie-sue-brockway/greenwood-marriages-and-t_b_5242087.html

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

As soon as you possibly can. The campground needs a head count of the maximum number of people who will be there at one time so we know if we have to order port-a-potties to help support the needs. They have facilities there on site, but they only have two and they are maxed at 35 people each. Meaning - we will have to put in one port-a-potty for each 35 people above 70.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Please dress nicely. We know this is a campground, but it's also a wedding. Think dress-casual... No holes, stains, or street clothes. Thank you so much!