What kinds of special ritual actions are performed at the Handfasting rite?
Some couples opt to jump over a broom, balefire, sword or cord. Frequently, the couples are symbolically tied together. Couples may drink out of the same cup to indicate the joining of their lives and destinies. Rings are often exchanged. Most of the traditional symbols and customs we associate with traditional weddings (cake, wine and toasts, having rice or grain tossed over the bride and groom, ivy in the bridal bouquet, the ‘unity candle’, the veil, the garter, etc) were pagan rites originally. Many of these rites, such as rice-throwing, started out as fertility charms, so keep this in mind when you are planning your magickal rite. The long white lacy dress is a remnant from the Edwardian era, when white wedding dresses first came into use. Until then, the bride, groom and all the guests just wore their best clothes, adorned with flower corsages and bouquets.
