Handfasting

Handfasting (Irish: ceangal na lámh, lit. 'binding of the hands'; Scottish Gaelic: pòsadh-bliadhna, lit. 'year-marriage' [ˈpʰɔːs̪əɣ ˈb̥liən̪ˠə]) is a traditional marriage or betrothal practice in which a couple make a pledge by joining, clasping, or symbolically binding their hands. The terminology and practice are associated with several medieval and early modern European contexts, including Ireland, Scotland, England, and Germanic-speaking regions. In Ireland and Scotland, modern usage often connects handfasting with Gaelic and Celtic-inspired marriage customs; in England, the term was historically used for betrothal or irregular marriage; and in later Scottish tradition it was associated with temporary or probationary marriage.