Ancient Irish Wedding Tradition

Handfasting goes back to ancient times in Ireland, as do the Irish Brehon laws, which are the oldest, and most extensive of medieval European legal systems. Since priests weren't always available to perform wedding ceremonies and it wasn't a requirement for the marriage to be witnessed for it to be legally binding, many couples handfasted.

In handfasting, the wrists of the couple are bound together with a strip of leather or ribbon. The man and the woman holds the hands of the other, right hand to right hand, left hand to left, and their wrists crossed. Then the ribbon is wound around the wrists, over the top of one and under, and around the other, creating the infinity symbol. This practice is thought to be the origin of the term, ‘tying the knot.’ When this was accomplished, the couple recited their vows and the celebration commenced.