Our Binding Cord (Handfasting) Ceremony

Gita: The Handfasting Cord comes from ancient traditions and is found in many cultures. Tia and Lori have chosen to incorporate this lovely and deeply spiritual practice into this ceremony with the belief that the symbolism of binding the hands together represents the sacred bonds of matrimony and the unbreakable commitment of love.

[the cord is presented]
As your hands are bound together by this cord,
So do these bonds echo your ties to each other

[Gita makes the first loop]
This is for the ties of Commitment, forged by your promises and vows, your dedication and perseverance, and sealed by your rings.

[Gita makes the second loop]
This is for the ties of Responsibility, to create a new home of peace, prosperity and hospitality, and like the chuppah you stand beneath, given tender care when it is fragile, support to make it strong and open to welcome friends and family

[Gita makes the third loop]
This is for the ties of Friendship, to be each other’s care, comfort and support through all life’s joys and trials, through laughter and tears, whether near or far.

[Gita makes the fourth loop]
This is for the ties of Life, to walk this new path together; two souls, two hearts, one life, entwined and enmeshed into One for all time

[Gita makes the first knot]
This knot is for the ties of Spirit, to give each other Hope and Faith, to share dreams and desires and to be, for each other, the Light in the Darkness

[Gita makes the second knot]
This knot is for the ties of Trust, to always communicate freely and honestly, without guilt or blame, even without words; to hold each other secrets and always be the first one the other can turn to

[Gita makes the third knot]
This knot is for the ties of Love, love as eternally unwavering as the indestructible stars and as strong and steadfast as the roots of the mountains. Love that is nourished and nourishing, alive with patience and kindness, and that inspires each everyday miracle that only love can bring

[Gita lays hands on couples bound hands for blessing]
And through it all runs the ties of Faith, to hold and keep, to believe in one another, to believe in the healing power of love, and to keep faith that the eternal Lord of Light and All Creation holds you fast in the blessings of love, now and always

[Here is the Second Drink from the Cup]