handfasting

/ˈhændfæstɪŋ/
noun
  1. A ceremony in which two people are joined in a temporary or symbolic marriage, often involving tying their hands together.
    • Many modern couples include a handfasting in their wedding to symbolize unity.
    • During the handfasting, the officiant wrapped a ribbon around their clasped hands.
    • The handfasting was held in a forest clearing at sunset.
  2. The practice or tradition of trial marriage or betrothal by handclasp.
    • Some Neopagan groups have revived handfasting as a spiritual practice.
    • Handfasting was common in ancient Celtic cultures.
    • The book describes the history of handfasting in Scotland.
Synonyms
What does "handfasting" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean