Meaning of colors for handfasting cords

The handfasting wedding ceremony is rich with symbolism and fluid enough for couples to make their own when incorporating it into their special day. Even the material used for the binding means something. Ribbons are delicate while cords are a symbol of strength, and for couples choosing to use multiple colors, each color brings with it another symbolic meaning adding yet another special layer to the vows being exchanged.

Meaning of colors for handfasting cords

Like I said, handfasting is a fluid ritual. It doesn’t have a hard and fast traditional practice to be followed. For instance, there isn’t a specific number of cords or ribbons to be used. And as far as the material that too is flexible, but avoid waxed cords because they aren't flexible. The ancient Romans didn't use cords or ribbons but fashioned their handfasting ties from magnolias, elder and roses.

Today, most couples choose colored ribbons or cords with each color holding a symbolic meaning. Some couples then braid the cords or ribbons together. 
 

Ribbons offer a wide variety of colors to choose from.

But as for the meanings, they too seem to be fluid, not in everyone’s mind, but in general, various meanings are afforded each color:

• Black: pure love, wisdom, success, strength
• Blue: fidelity, longevity, strength, safe journey
• Brown: Nurturing, home and hearth, healing
• Gold: wisdom, prosperity, longevity
• Gray: balance, neutrality
• Green: fertility and growth, love, luck, prosperity, nurturing
• Orange: kindness, encouragement, adaptability, attraction
• Pink: love, happiness, unity, romance, honor, truth
• Purple: spiritual strength, power, health, healing
• Red: passion, love, courage, strength, health, vigor
• Silver: protection, inspiration and vision, creativity
• White: purity, serenity, peace, truth, devotion
• Yellow: harmony, balance, attraction confidence

How long should handfasting cords be?

One more thing worth mentioning as long as we are talking about handfasting cords is their length. No matter what material you choose for your handfasting, plan to cut the ties to be about a yard long. A little shorter can work, but be careful not to make them too short so that you run out of cord during the handfasting as your taking your vows! And remember, when you braid, that will make them shorter.

If you don’t want to go with these meanings and rather choose colors that complement the theme of your wedding, you’re free to do that too. That’s the nice thing about this wedding tradition. It’s rich in meaning and symbolism on so many levels that it is easy to tweak and make it your own and yet still mean so much.

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Photo credits: wikimedia