handfast
Binding engagement ceremony
Handfast is an old word for a betrothal or marriage contract, especially one sealed by joining hands.
In modern use, it refers to a pagan or Wiccan wedding ceremony: They were handfasted at the summer solstice.
As a verb, to handfast is to betroth or marry in this manner.
The adjective describes something bound or contracted.
Formal marriage agreement
- bindingLegally or morally required
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- cordFlexible twisted strand
- altarSacred ritual table
celebrant · rites · vows · officiant · witnesses · exchange · clasping · tying
Of tiered landownership
- chivalryKnightly code of honor
- manorLanded aristocratic residence
- knightHonored mounted soldier
- castleFortified medieval residence
minstrel · joust · mead · tunic · betrothal · scroll · parchment · tourney
Binding promise given
- promiseCommitment to act
- bondBinding tie or connection
- trothPledged word of loyalty
- covenantBinding formal pledge
oath · vow · consent · agreement · dedication · fidelity · devotion · faithfulness
Linking into one
- bindingLegally or morally required
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
- togethernessState of close connection
bond · unity · clasped · intertwined · couple · wedlock · matrimony · espousal
betrothal
Formal marriage agreement
altar · celebrant · rites · vows · officiant · witnesses · exchange · clasping · tying · blessing
feudal
Of tiered landownership
castle · minstrel · joust · mead · tunic · betrothal · scroll · parchment · tourney · courtship
pledge
Binding promise given
covenant · oath · vow · consent · agreement · dedication · fidelity · devotion · faithfulness · loyalty
joining
Linking into one
- bindingLegally or morally required
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
togetherness · bond · unity · clasped · intertwined · couple · wedlock · matrimony · espousal · pairing
Wicca
Modern pagan witchcraft religion
- neopaganismRevived polytheistic spirituality
- covenAssembly of witches
- druidryPractices of Celtic priests
solstice · equinox · chalice · pagan · earth-based · Celtic · goddess · priestess · circle · elemental
handfastlegal marriage
Officially sanctioned spousal union
civil marriage · church wedding · matrimony · civil ceremony · civil union
handfastdivorce
Legal end of matrimony
annulment · separation · unbetrothed · unattached · single