From: rowanf@well.sf.ca.us (Rowan Fairgrove)
Subject: Re: Fasting of the hands?
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1993 08:46:13 -0800

[Responding to a question from Brent Irvine.]
Handfasting is the marriage rite used by many
neo-Pagans and Wiccans.  The term itself comes
from the custom of shaking hands over a contract.
It was used in Scotland for the engagement period
of a year and a day before a wedding was proved.

In most Pagan traditions today it may mean a 
non-state registered wedding or one in which
a marriage license is filed.  For some it is
a year and a day, renewable "so long as love
shall last" and for others a commitment to
be together through many lives.

There are probably as many rituals for this
as there are people who have joined themselves
together.

The hands are generally bound with a cord as part
of the ritual.

Gypsy
Rowan Fairgrove
*************** 
Enchanted Gypsy Tarot
rowanf@well.sf.ca.us