I was wondering about handfasting. It sounds like a beautiful ceremony. I was just wondering, is it a civil ceremony? I mean, if you do it, are you legally married in your state? Do you have to get someone who's state certified to perform it, and if so, what do they have to do to be officially recognized? Can anyone perform the ceremony, if it's only going to be symbolic and not legal?
I guess that's a bunch of questions. Sorry about that. =)
Thanks in advance for the info!
2006-09-28 18:00:37 · 7 answers · asked by ♥Mira♥ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I perform several hand-fasting each year. If the couple wants it to be a legal ceremony, they get the license and I sign it afterward. Before I was ordained, I had my notary and that was all I needed to complete the paperwork.
If it is symbolic only most choose someone they are close with to officiate. I also perform same sex unions. We call them commitment ceremonies.
Blessings )O(
2006-09-28 18:05:44 · answer #1 · answered by Epona Willow 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
In the present day, many PAGAN (especially Wiccans) practice this ritual. It symbolizes the beginning of a marriage, lasting a year and a day , a lifetime, or for all eternity; if the proper measures are taken, it can also be a legal marriage ceremony. Handfastings can be performed for HOMOSEXUAL couples (see also same-sex marriage), as well as for larger groups in the case of POLYAMOROUS relationships.
As with many Neopagan rituals, contemporary ceremonies follow the basic tenet of historical practice but are reconstructed and so normally written to represent the wishes of the individuals rather than following a known historical form.
There is no universal procedure for the ceremony, and the elements included are generally up to the couple being handfasted. The couple can conduct the ceremony themselves or may have an official perform the ceremony. Handfasting usually takes place outside and may occasionally be performed skyclad (nude). In Wicca, the couple often jumps over a broom or, more commonly, a small bonfire to symbolize entering matrimony. Today, some couples opt for a handfasting ceremony in place of, or incorporated into, their wedding.
A corresponding divorce ceremony called a handparting is sometimes practiced. Handpartings are not always performed for the same reasons as mainstream divorce. One unique feature of handfasting as opposed to traditional marriage is that the couple may choose the length of time for which the marriage lasts: either for a year and a day, a lifetime, or for all eternity. In a Wiccan handparting, the couple often jumps backwards over the broom before parting hands.
2006-09-29 07:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was legally handfasted in the state of Ohio by an ordained priestess. To find pagan clergy in your area:
http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_index/xclergy.html
Or ask around at your closest metaphysical shop. To be legally handfasted, you need to take the same actions of obtaining a marriage license just as with a marriage.
To be handfasted but not recognized by the law, any priest or priestess can perform this rite.
Some resources that may interest you:
http://ladyoftheearth.com/handfasting/handfasting.html
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/events/weddings.html
"Handfasting & Wedding Rituals" by Raven Kaldara
2006-09-28 18:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a handfasting can be legal if preformed by a justice of the peace, judge or those who are licensed by the state. Me and my husband were handfasted by an Family Law Judge and it is legal. it is just a matter of finding one that is open enough to preform it. Many covens also have someone who is state certified to preform handfastings.
If you don't need it to be legal anyone can preform it as long as you are happy with them.
Another option is to have a courthouse wedding and have someone else preform the handfasting at a different time. I know a few pagan couples who have done this.
2006-09-28 18:11:07 · answer #4 · answered by paganrosemama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes in most states anyone can preform a marriage ceremony as long as they go to the records department and fill out the necessary forms and pay a fee. and it will be legal and binding. as soon as the person returns the paper with your signatures on the official paper. But check with your state first just in case.
The person whose going to preform the ceremony may have to register with the state that they are an official Representative of that religion.
2006-09-28 18:13:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is a marriage than for it to be official you need to get a marriage licence first.
If you are in Florida, after you recieve you marriage licence just go to a Florida Notary to fill out the rest of the paperwork after you pick it up at the proper place. Simple as that, for the legal portion.
2006-09-28 18:05:05 · answer #6 · answered by Investigation Specialist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, depends on your state. I know in the military it is a recognized religion.
2006-09-28 18:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋