Have you ever wondered where the expressions Honeymoon and Tying the Knot come from, in association with marriage?
Handfasting: A Practical Journey takes you on a historical journey, starting with pre-Christian times. It describes the customs and traditions associated with betrothal from times and places in the world when our forbears were in tune with the changing seasons and the natural rhythms of the world they lived in.The increasing popularity of handfasting is recognition that the current alternatives of church or civil ceremonies offer little in the way of deeper meaning in our increasingly pagan times.
Mary Neasham offers practical advice on creating your own handfasting ceremony. A very modern way to commit to another person based on the lore and customs of our ancestors.
This personal take on handfasting is very good if you focus on the advice and spiritual aspects. However the author's historical interpretation or citing of what they believe to be facts let's it down a little.
The book has great history exploration, detailing regional customs and their time periods, tracking their development and modern connections. The format and order of events in a ceremony are a big question for most, including myself, and this book offered various formats in many fractions. I personally loved the Humanist ceremony and ideas. Neasham has strong opinions on being honest with yourself which gives the whole book a friendly, personal tone. I would recommend this book to anyone planning a wedding of any faith, and any interested in the history of marriage in the British isles.