Handfasting

A handfasting is a Neopagan (especially Wiccan) term for a wedding. It can be performed for heterosexual or homosexual couples (see also gay marriage).

Some handfastings are also legal marriage ceremonies, but others are only recognized by the Neopagan community and not the state. Handfastings vary as greatly as non-Pagan weddings do.

Not all handfastings are for life. Some handfastings are for a "year and a day", and the relationship is renewed annually.

Usually, at least a few of the following are involved that set handfastings apart from other wedding ceremonies:

• jumping the broom
• binding of the hands[?]
• drinking from a chalice[?]
• performance of the ceremony skyclad
• performance of the ceremony by a High Priest[?] or High Priestess[?] or both
• three-part kiss[?] or five-part kiss[?]
• the Great Rite[?]
• creation of a marriage altar beforehand

A corresponding divorce ceremony called a handparting is sometimes practiced.