OK, so we get what a "Christian marriage" is. How about a Pagan marriage?

Question

=0)

Answer 1

I am Pagan, my husband is Atheist. We have a secular marraige. We are equal, we both work, we both respect each other, we love each other very much.

Answer 2

Handfasting:
In the present day, some Pagans practice this ritual. The marriage vows taken may be for "a year and a day", a lifetime, or "for all of eternity". Whether the ceremony is legal, or a private spiritual commitment, is up to the couple. Depending on the state where the handfasting is performed, and whether or not the officiant is a legally-recognized minister, the ceremony itself may be legally binding, or couples may choose to make it legal by also having a civil ceremony. Modern handfastings are performed for heterosexual or homosexual couples (see also same-sex marriage), as well as for larger groups in the case of polyamorous relationships.

As with many Neopagan rituals, some groups may use historically attested forms of the ceremony, striving to be as traditional as possible, while others may use only the basic idea of handfasting and largely create a new ceremony.

As many different traditions of Neopaganism use some variation on the handfasting ceremony, there is no universal ritual form that is followed, and the elements included are generally up to the couple being handfasted. In cases where the couple belong to a specific religious or cultural tradition, there may be a specific form of the ritual used by all or most members of that particular tradition. The couple may conduct the ceremony themselves or may have an officiant perform the ceremony. In some traditions, the couple may jump over a broom at the end of the ceremony. Some may instead leap over a small fire together. Today, some couples opt for a handfasting ceremony in place of, or incorporated into, their public wedding. As summer is the traditional time for handfastings, they are often held outdoors.

A corresponding divorce ceremony called a handparting is sometimes practiced, though this is also a modern innovation. In a Wiccan handparting, the couple may jump backwards over the broom before parting hands.


[edit] Rings and handfastings
As with more conventional marriage ceremonies, couples often exchange rings during a handfasting, symbolizing their commitment to each other. Many couples choose rings that reflect their spiritual and cultural traditions, while others choose plainer, more conventional wedding rings.


i attended a handfasting of some friends from my pagan group last fall. it was beautiful!

Answer 3

Handfasting. =) Where two or more are bound together in "marriage". Depending on the circumstances of the people getting married, it could be agreed that the marriage only last for a yr and a day. Others "mate for life". Note: the Gov't only recognizes certain Pagan marriages. Polygamy is not recognized in the states and therefore not legal as other marriages are, but is recognized by other Pagans.

Answer 4

Isn't that a handfasting? For anyone getting those, I always suggest also getting a Justice of the Peace to hold a civil ceremony before hand. That little piece of paper grants you marriage rights that I'm not sure if a handfasting does.

Answer 5

I can't speak for other pagans, but our legal handfasting was officiated by a local priestess. We made promises in front of our Gods to love and respect each other. We promised to be faithful and committed to one another and our wrists were bound together by a silk cord as a symbol of our joining. We asked the blessings on our union from our deities and made our promises under mistletoe, which we consider sacred. We exchanged rings with ogham writings that symbolize our love for one another. We jumped a broom to symbolize the beginning of our lives together as a committed couple.

Each pagan uses the symbols that are most meaningful for them. They make the promises that they want to make (and are willing to keep) rather than a proscribed script for all pagans. In some sects of pagan religions, there are specific guidelines for their tradition but there aren't any guidelines that cover all pagan religions.

Answer 6

I'm Pagan and my hubby is Agnostic. Anyway we make decisions together about big things and then the little things are kind of on auto pilot. Like diapers... I always make sure we have 'em in the house. And he's in charge of watching the car's mileage for an oil change. If the lawn needs to be mowed and he's working, I'll do it, no prob. Just like he makes dinner often, but mostly because my cooking is crappy haha.

Answer 7

Um... pretty much the same?

If you're looking for the reasonings, it's pretty much the same as any other wedding - hopefully for love, sometimes for more practical things like kids or money, etc.

If you're looking for meaning, it's pretty similar as well - people being joined before the gods.

As for actual things that occur durign the ceremony? Depends on the religion and tradition. Some of them look pretty similar to your average wedding, while some are a bit more unique.

Answer 8

I'm Christian, but I would think it's just like any other beautiful wedding, but no prayers or mention of God is present. Maybe that's right?

Ok, dang, I was wrong. I know nothing about "handfasting"--never heard of it. Next time I won't try to answer a quesiton I haven't a clue about :)

Answer 9

Um. Isn't any marriage a public declaration of love and commitment for the future?

So I'd guess that would apply to both. No?
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Answer 10

If you're talking about a ceremony, it's called a handfasting.
I'm not sure what you're asking, b.