I've never heard of it as I'm not Catholic but I've been asked to buy one for a wedding that I'm going to abroad. Does anyone know where I can get one?
2006-09-26 23:39:02 · 21 answers · asked by Kate 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I think you're talking about what is commonly known as the "Lasso Ceremony". It's NOT the same as the Handfasting rite. Lasso (or Lazo) Ceremonies use the rope over the shoulders of the couple in a figure 8 design, a Handfasting binds the hands.
For a Lasso Ceremony often a rosary, string of beads/pearls or a ribbon is often used instead of a "rope", but if it's a rope they want, I'd look at fabric stores for trims. Make sure it's long enough to go around the shoulders of two people in that figure 8 design comfortably.
Good Luck!
2006-09-27 06:06:37 · answer #1 · answered by Kya Rose 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not a Catholic tradition, it's a pagan one. It's the handfasting ceremony. During the wedding, the officiant will ask the couple a series of questions, to which they answer "I will." Each time they make a promise, the rope is wrapped again around their hands to "bind" the promises.
It doesn't have to be a special rope. It would probably be nice to get a pretty cord at an arts and crafts store. Preferably rather lightweight, since who knows how many times the rope will be wrapped around their hands.
You might want to ask your friend exactly what they want the rope for, though. They might be doing something completely different and unique that is different from what I just described.
2006-09-27 02:39:57 · answer #2 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think I know what you mean. Not particularly aware that it is a Roman Catholic tradition, sounds quite Medieval in fact. Anyhoo, my guess would be that you wouldn't go wrong with getting a length of lovely silky braid from a haberdashery (try John Lewis) - something gold coloured perhaps (the sort of stuff used to edge cushions).
Oh, here's a crazy thought, why don't you ask the person who requested the rope where you should get it from!
Enjoy the wedding
2006-09-26 23:50:11 · answer #3 · answered by peggy*moo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a Pagan tradition called handfasting that originated in Scotland that the Catholics borrowed (or stole) in the Middle Ages. Some Christian churches still practice it (even though they wouldn't dare call it a handfasting and thus admit to participating in Pagan rituals) and others don't do it at all.
All that said, the home decorating section at any local craft store will have drapery cords that can be used or you could braid ribbons together. However in Christian ceremonies, the pastor/priest's stole is used instead.
2006-09-27 00:00:13 · answer #4 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, using a rope or cord to wrap around the couple's joined arms to signify their union as a single unit is an old pagan custom. I've never heard of Catholics doing it, but if they do, it wasn't their original idea.
The item used can be whatever the wedded couple desires from simple rope or twine to a leather or velvet cord. Just depends on the bride & groom's personal tastes.
I would suggest contacting the person asking you to bring the cord and simply ask them to clarify what kind of "rope" to bring.
2006-09-26 23:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by Physh 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The rope is mostly used in spanish countries during the ceremony. it just symbolises the union between the two people. The rope does not look like an actual rope. It's made of flowers on a string.
2006-09-27 01:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by Yen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There should be a local Catholic supply store in your area.
I would check there. If it's Catholic it should be there.
Find it by checking the yellow pages.
Although as a Catholic I have never seen that done.... are they hispanic? I think some hispanic Catholics do that, but maybe I am wrong. Also, I think that Greek Orthodox do that......
2006-09-27 03:37:04 · answer #7 · answered by Laura 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called a noose, and it's only for the man. First you should round up a posse, hopefully one with experience that can walk you through.
Ok, trite sexism aside, you probably won't have much luck at the hardware store, but check at a Ben Franklin's or some home decorating store. Ask for "fancy rope." It can also be a long loop of rosary beads.
2006-09-26 23:46:27 · answer #8 · answered by answersBeta2.1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The kind of cord that you use to tie back curtains should do fine - and you can get it in all sorts of colours.
You should be able to find some in fabric shops or in the haberdashery department of big stores like Debenhams.
2006-09-26 23:50:28 · answer #9 · answered by junkmonkey1983 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow....you need to buy a rope????i mean are you sure you got it right,better ask again.as far as i know Catholics do not do the dance around the alter,Ortodox people do it.i went to a couple of weddings and the priest already had the rope,he uses some kind of special rope that belongs to the church.
2006-09-27 01:10:57 · answer #10 · answered by bebelusha 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋