You have almost certainly used the phrase without knowing where it came from. "Tying the knot" is one of the most common expressions for getting married in the English language — and it very likely comes from a genuine old Scottish and Irish custom in which a couple's hands were literally bound together. That custom is handfasting. So what is handfasting, where did it come from, and why are so many couples bringing it back today?
Quick Answer: What Is Handfasting?
Handfasting is an old Scottish and Irish custom in which a couple's joined hands are bound together with a ribbon, cord or length of tartan as part of a betrothal or marriage. Historically it was a recognised way of formally pledging to marry, and in Scotland such declarations could carry real legal weight. It is widely regarded as the origin of the phrase "tying the knot," and today it is a popular way for couples to add a meaningful piece of Celtic heritage to their wedding ceremony.
Where Does Handfasting Come From?
Handfasting has deep roots in Scotland and Ireland as a betrothal custom — a public, binding promise to marry. In the centuries before civil and church weddings became universal and tightly regulated, a couple declaring their intent before witnesses, hands joined, was a recognised step toward marriage. In Scotland in particular, marriage law long recognised forms of "irregular" marriage by declaration and consent, and handfasting belonged to that older, less formal world in which a pledge freely given and witnessed genuinely mattered. It was a practical and human custom: a way of binding two people, and two families, with a promise everyone could see.
Why Is It Called "Tying the Knot"?
The connection is as literal as it sounds. In handfasting, the couple's hands are joined and then bound together with cloth or cord, often tied in a knot. From that simple, powerful image — two hands made one, fastened with a knot — comes the phrase we still use for marrying today. Every time someone says a couple is "tying the knot," they are echoing this old Celtic custom, whether they know it or not.
What Is the "Year and a Day" Tradition?
You will often hear that handfasting was a "trial marriage" lasting a year and a day, after which the couple could either confirm the union or part ways. This idea is popular and romantic, but it should be treated with caution: much of it appears to be a later, romanticised interpretation rather than well-documented historical practice. What is more securely known is that handfasting functioned as a serious betrothal or marriage pledge. The "year and a day" story is a lovely piece of folklore — best enjoyed as tradition rather than taken as firm historical fact.
How Is Handfasting Used in Weddings Today?
Handfasting has enjoyed a strong revival, and it is now one of the most popular heritage elements couples of Scottish and Irish descent choose for their weddings. Typically the couple join hands and an officiant or family member binds them with ribbons or a length of the couple's clan tartan, often speaking words of blessing as each cord is tied. It sits beautifully within a modern ceremony while carrying centuries of meaning. Many couples pair it with other customs such as the quaich or a spoken blessing.
It appears in both of our wedding guides: Scottish Wedding Traditions and Irish Wedding Traditions and Blessings. Using your own clan tartan for the binding cords is a lovely personal touch — our guide on finding your Scottish clan can help you identify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does handfasting symbolise?
It symbolises the binding together of two people in a pledge to marry. The couple's hands are joined and tied with cloth or cord, making their union visible.
Is handfasting a legal marriage?
Historically, in Scotland, binding declarations of marriage could carry legal weight. Today handfasting is usually a symbolic part of a ceremony, with the legal marriage handled separately according to local law.
Is handfasting Scottish or Irish?
It is a Celtic custom found in both Scotland and Ireland, and it is widely regarded as the origin of the phrase "tying the knot."
What do you tie hands with in handfasting?
Usually a ribbon, cord or length of tartan. Many couples use their own clan tartan for a personal, heritage touch.
Tie the Knot in Your Own Tartan
If handfasting is part of your plans, your own clan tartan makes the perfect binding cloth. Search your clan or surname in the bar above to explore heritage pieces carrying your family's tartan and crest, or browse our wedding gift ideas.
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