Pagan Wedding - Part II
Colour of the Cords
The Handfasting ritual even takes into account the colour of the cord used to bind the hands as emotions and different meanings are symbolised within
different colours. Couples can choose the colour of their Handfasting cords to best represent their feelings for each other and hopes for their union.
For example:
- Blue cord signifies tranquillity, understanding, patience, health, truth, devotion, sincerity, honour, loyalty, peace, wisdom, tranquillity and longevity.
- Green Cord signifies fertility, luck, success, energy, charity, growth, rejuvenation, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, ambition and counteracts greed and jealousy.
- Orange cord signifies encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty and kindness.
- Red cord signifies passion, will, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigour, lust and danger.
- Yellow cord signifies attraction, charm, confidence, balance, harmony, knowledge, learning, concentration, persuasion, jealousy, joy and comfort.
Jumping over the Broom
After the Handfasting ritual the couple will then 'jump the broom' and seal their union symbolically. The broom is symbolic of the sexual union between a man and woman and also symbolises the couple crossing a threshold; a threshold to their new life together as husband and wife. In jumping over the broom together, wrists still bound, they are showing faith in each other and working together towards a bright and happy future.
The broom is traditionally taken home by the couple and hung up over their front door or bed to bring blessings and fertility to their home and marriage.
Legal Status of Pagan Weddings
Although the Pagan movement is currently working hard to have their wedding ceremonies recognised as a legal and binding union, unfortunately this is not yet the case and as such is not legally recognised within most of the UK, the exception is Scotland where the marriage would be legal as long as the ceremony is performed by an authorised celebrant. Couples throughout the rest of the UK who wish to make the marriage legal will also have to undertake a civil ceremony.
Planning a Pagan Wedding
If you are a Pagan or Druid then organising a Pagan ceremony will be relatively easy as you will already have access to a Priest and Priestess within your own, or known coven. However for couples who are not practicing Pagans but wish to have a ceremony that is personal and individual to them, encompassing the beauty of nature and ancient beliefs, then a Pagan movement or coven within their chosen ceremony area will need to be found.
The internet is a great resource for this, with information on ceremonies, sites and even Pagan wedding organisers who will do all the organising for you. Visiting places like Glastonbury will also be an inspiration for a Pagan wedding as there is a huge Druid influence within the town.
The Pagan beliefs encompass the beauty of the land, focusing on Mother Nature and the cycle of life. Something beautiful to worship, something to believe in that you can breath, see and touch for yourself. For many the meaning of marriage is different to how it was seen years ago. Couples no longer want to 'obey' each other but have a relationship that is loving, meaningful, fruitful, happy and most of all equal. The Pagan ceremony is personalised to each couple and the couple make their own vows and promises to each other. A true sense of the word partnership!
