Handfasting: A Guide to the Symbolism of Colour.
The Symbolism Behind Handfasting Ribbon Colours
Handfasting is a beautiful and ancient tradition that can add a deeply personal and symbolic touch to your wedding ceremony. By choosing specific colours for your handfasting ribbons, you can infuse your ceremony with meanings that reflect your relationship and aspirations. Below is a guide to the symbolism behind various handfasting ribbon colours to help you make your choice. Traditionally, three colours can be combined to create your perfect handfasting ribbon, however you are free to use as few or as many as your wish, the important thing is that they mean something to you and represent who you are and what you hold true for your marriage.
Red: Passion and Courage
Symbolism: Passion, love, strength, vitality, and courage.
Explanation: Red signifies the intense passion and love shared between the couple. It embodies the strength and vitality of their relationship, as well as the courage to face challenges together. This powerful colour reflects the deep emotional and physical connection in their union.
Yellow: Joy and Communication
Symbolism: Joy, happiness, intellect, energy, and communication.
Explanation: Yellow symbolises the joy and happiness that the couple brings into each other's lives. It highlights their intellectual connection and the vibrant energy they share. Yellow also underscores the importance of communication, celebrating the joy they find in sharing ideas and experiences.
White: Purity and New Beginnings
Symbolism: Purity, innocence, new beginnings, clarity, and peace.
Explanation: White represents the purity and innocence of the couple's love. It signifies new beginnings and their commitment to starting a life together. White also denotes clarity and peace, reflecting the serene and honest nature of their relationship.
Blue: Tranquillity and Devotion
Symbolism: Tranquillity, understanding, patience, devotion, sincerity, wisdom, and faith.
Explanation: Blue conveys a calm and peaceful relationship, characterised by deep understanding and trust. It symbolises the emotional depth and spiritual connection in their union, promoting patience and sincere devotion.
Green: Growth and Harmony
Symbolism: Growth, fertility, renewal, health, harmony, and prosperity.
Explanation: Green reflects the couple's commitment to nurturing their relationship and fostering a harmonious and prosperous life together. It symbolises health, well-being, and the natural growth and renewal of their bond.
Purple: Spirituality and Wisdom
Symbolism: Spirituality, wisdom, power, ambition, and dignity.
Explanation: Purple signifies the spiritual bond and mutual respect within the relationship. It represents the couple’s shared aspirations, the wisdom they bring to their partnership, and their commitment to maintaining the dignity and honour of their union.
Pink: Love and Compassion
Symbolism: Love, compassion, nurturing, joy, and tenderness.
Explanation: Pink is associated with unconditional love and compassion. It reflects the couple’s nurturing and caring nature towards each other, highlighting the joy and tenderness that characterise their relationship.
Orange: Creativity and Balance
Symbolism: Creativity, enthusiasm, energy, warmth, and balance.
Explanation: Orange symbolises the vibrant and dynamic energy within the couple's relationship. It represents their creativity, enthusiasm for life, and the warmth they share, as well as signifying a balanced partnership.
Brown: Stability and Endurance
Symbolism: Stability, reliability, grounding, and endurance.
Explanation: Brown represents stability and reliability in the relationship. It reflects the couple’s commitment to creating a solid foundation and their determination to endure life's challenges together.
Black: Strength and Elegance
Symbolism: Strength, protection, elegance, and mystery.
Explanation: Black symbolises the strength and protective nature of the relationship. It also represents the elegance and depth of their bond, as well as the sense of mystery and allure that keeps their connection intriguing.
Silver: Clarity and Insight
Symbolism: Clarity, vision, insight, and balance.
Explanation: Silver signifies the clarity and insight the couple brings to their relationship. It represents their vision for the future and their ability to find balance and harmony in their lives together.
Gold: Prosperity and Longevity
Symbolism: Prosperity, success, longevity, and good health.
Explanation: Gold is associated with wealth and prosperity, symbolising the couple’s hopes for a successful and fulfilling life together. It also reflects their commitment to longevity and good health in their union.
Grey: Neutrality and Compromise
Symbolism: Neutrality, compromise, and wisdom.
Explanation: Grey represents the couple’s ability to find middle ground and work through differences. It symbolises the wisdom and maturity they bring to their relationship, ensuring that they can navigate challenges with grace and understanding.
Embrace the Tradition
Handfasting ribbons add a unique and deeply personal element to your wedding ceremony, reflecting the values and qualities that define your relationship. Choosing the right colours can imbue your ceremony with profound meaning and symbolism.
If you're interested in incorporating a handfasting ceremony into your special day, get in touch to explore how to make this beautiful tradition a part of your wedding. Let's create a ceremony that truly reflects your love and commitment.