wedding blessings on ibiza Site Map Made with Xara Origins Originally a Celtic tradition, hand-fasting has been adopted into many faiths and philosophies and is practised worldwide, either fully, or as a component of another ceremony. Ibiza has an ancient and diverse heritage which readily embraces the Celtic ceremony. The betrothed gaze lovingly and deeply into one another's eyes and together make their vows and promises to each other, then after the exchange of rings as their tokens, the host or elder gently binds their wrists or hands together with a red cord, sash or ribbon. This is the actual 'fasting' - the red cord signifying love and passion, and knots indicating the tender bondage of their mutual commitment. Therein is based the saying, to 'tie the knot'. In this age of quickie marriage and instantaneous divorce, the ancient tradition of hand-fasting makes more sense than ever. Hand-fasting is a binding commitment between two loving persons that requires no bureaucratic licensing to begin and no lawyers to undo. To those that choose to hand-fast, the commitment is far deeper and binding as anything offered by the Registry Office. Indeed, a hand-fast can last forever until eternity, so long as love remains. Even death cannot end a hand-fasted union; there is no 'til death do us part' in the ceremony. Of course many couples undertake the legal contract of marriage as a marriage of the heads, but regard the hand-fast as the marriage of their hearts and souls. There are two levels of hand-fast: the first, traditionally a ‘bann’ was to signify a betrothal, (engagement) traditionally for 'a year and a day'. Then, if all went well and after the year-and-a-day, the two intended lovers are still commited to proceed, a second hand-fast binds the two forever in heart, mind, body and spirit - for as long as love remains. The only thing that can undo a hand-fast is a lack of love. The Setting Traditionally, the hand-fast ceremony takes place outdoors, in as natural a setting as can be found. One of the loveliest ceremonies this writer ever attended was on the rooftop of a villa on Ibiza, above the city and under the stars. It is a occasion of joyous revelry and magical merriment, which provides a wonderful reason to dress flamboyantly, and wear flowers in one's hair. Ceremony Usually, the hand-fasting ceremony is presided over by a spiritual or family elder who acts as host, inviting the gathered guests to join in the magic of the moment, acknowledging reverence for nature and the elements. Ancient ancestors, absent friends are invited, and kindly spirits invoked. In Conclusion A hand-fast on Ibiza is one of the most delightful celebrations. Sometimes, after the ceremony, the newly-wedded couple jump over a broom, leaping together into their new life as one. Hence the term ‘Jumping the broomstick’.  Traditional 'cakes and ale' (cakes and champagne!) plus other delicious treats are shared in a wedding ‘breakfast’ which is the first meal of their new life together. Above you are the stars Below you are the stones. As time passes, remember Like a star should your love be constant, Like the earth should your love be firm. Have patience each one with the other, For storms will come, but quickly they will go. Have no fear, and let not the ways or words Of the unenlightened give you unease. For the Old Gods are with you, Now and always!    Beautiful Ibiza weddings, blessings and other ceremonies The best things in life can never be owned; They must simply be given away..... A Smile, a Kiss, Love... blessings-on-ibiza.com