Elizabeth Ludwig | Tying the Knot

Have you ever wondered where the expression “tying the knot” or “giving one’s hand in marriage” came from? Both phrases are in reference to the ancient tradition of handfasting, a custom I learned about some time ago while researching Celtic traditions for a series of historicals I was working on. Handfasting, or a pledge made by the giving of the hand, became a feature of betrothals in Scotland and in England during the medieval period. During the ceremony, both parties plighted their troth and the contract was sealed, like any other contract, with a handshake.

Thomas Pennant in his Tour in Scotland (London, 1790) wrote:

"Among the various customs now obsolete the most curious was that of handfasting, in use about a century past. In the upper part of Eskdale ... there was an annual fair where multitudes of each sex repaired. The unmarried looked out for mates, made their engagements by joining hands, or by handfasting, went off in pairs, cohabited until the next annual return of the fair, appeared there again and then were at liberty to declare their approbation or dislike of each other. If each party continued constant, the handfasting was renewed for life..."

In other words, Pennant wrote that handfasting referred to a “trial marriage” of sorts, which lasted a year and a day. Following the trial period, the partners could either marry permanently or part freely. Though I could not confirm the accuracy of this belief, I found the ritual interesting, especially since people still incorporate variations of the handfasting ceremony today.

The phrase “tying the knot” comes from an Irish variation of handfasting that symbolizes the bond of marriage in the same way that we would think of the exchanging of rings. At the point in the ceremony where the husband and wife demonstrate the bond between them, the couple clasp their hands together, and a brightly colored ribbon, cord, or rope is wound around their joined hands as a symbol of their agreement to spend their lives together. The ceremony was especially common in Ireland and Scotland because priests were not always available in each town to perform wedding ceremonies.

Though the custom is considered to be a Celtic tradition, handfasting was originally practiced by the Greeks and Romans. A garland was created made of magnolia, elder and roses which was then wrapped around the couple’s wrists to signify love and fidelity. Variations on the theme have since been used in other countries as well.

Today many couples choose handfasting to honor an Irish/Scottish heritage, or simply out of a love for the symbolism of the ritual. Although there are countless variations on the practice, it typically involves fastening a couple's hands together with cording, ribbon, twine, or a silk sash while prayers are recited and vows are exchanged. Even Prince William and Catherine Middleton incorporated handfasting in their royal wedding in 2011.

To learn more about this and other Irish traditions, be sure to check out NO SAFE HARBOR, book one in the Edge of Freedom series.

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About Elizabeth Ludwig

Elizabeth Ludwig is the bestselling author of NO SAFE HARBOR and DARK ROAD HOME, books one and two in the popular Edge of Freedom series. Book three in the series, Tide and Tempest, was recently named a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Elizabeth was also named a finalist in the 2015 Selah Awards for her novella “One Holy Night”, part of the bestselling anthology collection, Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine. She is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

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About NO SAFE HARBOR

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend—Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother—but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke...a man she’s grown to love?