Handfasting is a Celtic ritual that symbolizes unity. The tradition involves a couple's hands being tied together with cords or ribbons as they face each other. Vows are typically exchanged as the hands are bound together. In ancient times, handfasting was actually an engagement ritual. When two people chose to be married, they partook in a handfasting ceremony with an officiant. This signified their engagement, which typically lasted one year. Once the year was up, the couple returned to the officiant and declared if they were going to get married or separate. Today, handfasting is mostly performed at the wedding to signify the couple's love and commitment. I'm an old soul Omnism believer so I love the idea of the one-year trial commitment first. It has become popular among couples in recent years (seeing that the symbolism behind tying your hands together resonates with many people). This is exactly why I say that I'm neither religious nor spiritual. I've always been a mix of anything that enlightens my soul. Once the hands are wrapped, the officiant will further explain the symbolism behind the binding. Finally, the couple may exchange additional vows while bound together.