What Is a Handfasting Cord?

A handfasting cord — sometimes called a Celtic handtie, handbinding cord, wedding cord, or handfasting rope — is a woven or braided length of fabric used to bind a couple’s hands together during a wedding ceremony.

Handfasting is one of the oldest marriage rituals in Ireland, dating back over a thousand years. The act of “tying the knot” originated from this very practice. During the ceremony, the celebrant wraps the cord around the couple’s hands to symbolise:

• unity and partnership

• the intertwining of two lives

• loyalty, love, and shared intention

• the sacred promise of a lifelong commitment

Today, handfasting is treasured for its beauty, symbolism, and deep connection to Celtic heritage.

The Symbolism of Handfasting Cord Colours

Colour plays a powerful role in a handfasting ceremony. Many couples choose colours based on their relationship values, their ancestry, or the emotions they want to highlight during their vows.

Here are some of the most meaningful handfasting cord colours and what they traditionally represent:

• White – purity, new beginnings, fresh starts

• Red – passion, courage, strength

• Blue – trust, loyalty, calmness

• Green – growth, harmony, balance

• Purple – spirituality, wisdom, connection

• Yellow – joy, optimism, happiness

• Gold – prosperity, success, abundance

• Silver – clarity, intuition, vision

• Black – protection, grounding, commitment

• Pink – romance, gentleness, emotional understanding

• Brown – stability, reliability, rootedness

• Ivory/Champagne – elegance, tradition, timeless love

Many couples choose a combination of colours to represent different aspects of their relationship. A cord woven with multiple strands tells a deeper story and becomes an heirloom filled with personal meaning.

Choosing the Right Cord for Your Ceremony

Selecting your handfasting cord is a deeply personal decision. Consider the following when choosing the perfect piece:

1. Values & Intentions

What qualities define your relationship?
What do you want your marriage to be grounded in?

Your cord colours can reflect these intentions.

2. Ancestry & Celtic Heritage

Many couples choose colours or knot styles inspired by Irish, Scottish, or Welsh symbolism.

3. Ceremony Aesthetic

Your cord can complement your wedding palette — whether boho, traditional, romantic, gothic, or nature-inspired.

4. Knots & Braiding Style

Different knots carry meaning:

• Celtic love knot – eternal connection

• Infinity knot – never-ending love

• Trinity knot – unity of mind, body, spirit

• Loose braid – freedom within partnership

• Tight braid – strength and solidarity

5. Personalisation

Adding charms, initials, braids, textures, or heirloom materials makes your cord truly one-of-a-kind.

Handfasting Cords Handmade in Ireland

Every cord from Anamchara is handmade in Ireland with care, attention, and a deep reverence for Celtic tradition. Each piece is crafted in Waterford — Ireland’s oldest Viking city — using:

• luxurious silks

• natural fibres

• hand-dyed ribbons

• woven textures

• heritage knotwork

Your cord becomes a symbolic keepsake you can treasure long after the ceremony.

Why Couples Choose Anamchara

Couples choose Anamchara because they want more than a decorative cord — they want a piece with:

• meaning

• intention

• authentic Celtic symbolism

• handcrafted Irish artistry

• personalisation tailored to their story

From traditional Celtic designs to modern custom creations, each cord is made with purpose.

Make Your Ceremony Truly Your Own

Whether you’re planning a Celtic wedding, a modern handfasting, a vow renewal, or a spiritual ceremony, your cord should reflect your journey.

Explore our full collection or design a custom piece woven with your colours, values, and symbolism.

Your story is unique — your handfasting cord should be too.