Handfasting

In the traditional European Handfasting ceremony of betrothal or wedding, the right hands of the bride and groom were tied with a cord or ribbon. Handfasting today is a sort of marriage that can last for "a year and a day," "a lifetime", "for all of eternity" or "for as long as love shall last."  It is popular among people who want a joining ceremony that is a bit different from the more traditional wedding.  If the intent of the ceremony is that of a trial marriage, the couple can then decide to renew or not renew at the end of that period.

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