Wedding Rituals – The Blessing of the Hands
There are many rituals that may be used in a marriage ceremony. One of the most popular is ‘The Blessing of the Hands.’
When you give each other your hands, you give your heart. Many cultures around the world have different ways of blessing the hands of the bride and groom.
In Thai wedding ceremonies, for example, the couple kneels as elder, married relatives pour blessed water from a conch shell onto their hands and offer words of blessing.
In the ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting, the couple’s hands are literally tied together to symbolize spiritual and physical unity as prayers and blessings are recited.
A Ritual That Draws You Closer
In any culture or tradition, a hand blessing is a ritual that is meant to draw you closer to each another.
I have always heard that the hands are a connection to the heart, and the blessing of the hands symbolically brings two hearts together. A physician will confirm that physically there is a connection between the veins in the hands and the heart.
I like to offer couples a non-denominational approach. It can be done at any point in the ceremony yet fits in perfectly right after the exchange of the rings.
This is how it works:
- You and your partner face each other.
- First join your right palms, and then your left palms.
- This forms an infinity symbol with your hands, which symbolizes a love that will go on forever.
You can begin with the sentiment that Shakespeare said, “Now join your hands, and with your hand’s your hearts.”
Look into one another’s eyes. There are a number of written/spoken blessings that can be used.
The one below touches on the main features of the blessing of the hands.
“These are the hands of your best friend. They are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief assails your mind.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
May these hands always reach out with love, tenderness and respect. May these hands continue to build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime.
With eyes only for each other, and hands linked, this ritual is a beautiful symbol of the union of two hearts, two lives, and two souls.”
Hope the above has been of some interest.
Robert
