handfasting

/ ˈhændˌfɑːstɪŋ /

noun

1. an archaic word for betrothal
2. (formerly) a kind of trial marriage marked by the formal joining of hands
3. a contemporary pagan (esp Wiccan) marriage ceremony

Example Sentences

Stuart Beauchamp, 49, and his wife Anna Stevens, 44, took part in a handfasting ceremony, where their wrists were tied together to declare their commitment.

From BBC

Kennealy practiced Celtic paganism, and in 1970, she and Morrison wed via a "handfasting ceremony" involving drops of blood.

From Salon

In 1970, the rocker and journalist exchanged vows in what was called a "handfasting ceremony," which included drops of their own blood.

From Fox News

As a believer in Celtic witchcraft, for Patricia, the handfasting ceremony with Morrison was spiritually binding.

From Los Angeles Times

They did this through a handfasting, which is a Celtic tradition where the couple join their hands with ribbons to symbolize the binding of two lives.

From New York Times