A Simple Guide to Handfasting Cord Color (Meaning & Magic)

What do the colors of handfasting cords mean? A look at the symbolism & magical meaning of colors 

 

A handfasting ceremony is a very old wedding tradition that involves wrapping one or more cords around a couple’s hands to symbolize their commitment to each other. These cords are then tied in a knot to represent the couple’s unbreakable or lasting bond, which is where the term ‘tying the knot’ in marriage comes from!

 

Handfasting ceremonies are often part of a longer wedding ceremony, following the ring exchange. But this sweet tradition isn’t just for weddings; a handfasting can also be added to an engagement ceremony, commitment ceremony, polyamorous commitment ceremony (to unite multiple people), or vow renewal ceremony. 

 

The colors you choose for your handfasting cord/s or ribbon/s can also hold special meaning, adding to the symbolism of the ritual. And in some spiritual practices, like a Pagan or Wiccan handfasting, these cord colors can invoke specific intentions with energetic or spellcasting powers – a part of witchcraft called color magic, or color magick. In this case, color can be used to draw certain things toward you, or keep certain things away.

 

What to consider when choosing handfasting ribbon colors

 

Whether you believe that colors hold magical or energetic properties, or simply love the beauty and symbolism of color on the wedding day, it’s worthwhile to put some thought into the colors of your handfasting cord/s.

 

You can use 1, 2, 3, or more cords in your handfasting ceremony. (The number of cords you use can also hold special meaning, but that’s a topic we’ll save for another article!) Most couples use 1, 3, or 6 cords for their handfasting ceremony. Your cords/ribbons can be kept loose, to wrap and knot individually, or braided together to form one large cord. 

 

When using multiple handfasting cords, consider what each strand will represent. This will help you choose the right color for each strand. 

 

For example, 3 handfasting cords braided together might symbolize: 

 

• 3 shared values that are important to your union
• 3 blessings you want to welcome into your union
• 3 promises you make to each other 
• 3 energies, such as you, your partner, and a specific deity or spirit
• 3 people, such as you, your partner, and a child (a great choice for a blended family)

 

Once you know how many cords you wish to use and what they’ll represent in your union, it’s time to choose your cord colors!

 

Use the simple color chart below to help you decide. 

 

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Handfasting Cord Color Meaning & Magic Guide

 

Below, you’ll find various astrological, spiritual / occult, magical, earthy, and astrological associations for each of the primary and secondary colors. Consider the symbolic aspects that are meaningful to you, and the type of ceremony you want to have.

 

Red: Aries, Root chakra and grounding, The Hermit and The Moon (tarot), passion, courage, strength, love, health and vigor (lifeblood), fire element

 

 

 

Blue: Aquarius and Cancer, Throat chakra and communication, The Empress and The World (tarot), clarity, the divine, forgiveness, calming, travel, the moon, water element

 

 

Yellow: Gemini, Solar Plexus chakra and personal purpose, The Chariot and The Tower (tarot), abundance, confidence, intelligence, joy, the sun, earth, electricity

 

 

 

Green: Taurus, Heart chakra and emotional well-being, The Lovers and The Devil (tarot), connection to others, growth, healing, money, nature, fertility, plant magic, earth element

 

 

 

Purple: Sagittarius, Crown chakra and spirituality, Strength and The Star (tarot), enlightenment, wisdom, independence, creativity, psychic abilities, balance of fire and water elements

 

 

Orange: Leo, Sacral chakra and emotional expression,The Hierophant and Temperance (tarot), pleasure, sexuality, desire, creativity, flowing abundance, fire element

 

 

 

Pink: Libra and Taurus, Heart chakra and unconditional love,The High Priestess and Justice (tarot), love, compassion, kindness, nurturing energy, healing

 

 

 

Black: Scorpio, Earth Star chakra and universal connection, The Emperor and Death (tarot), mystery, protection, security, grounding, banishing negative energy, water element

 

 

White: Cancer, Crown chakra and higher wisdom, Soul Star chakra and divine love, The Magician, The Wheel of Fortune and The Sun (tarot), clarity, spirituality, purity, honesty, new beginnings, light, metal element

 

 

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You might also like: 
 

• How to Include Family and Friends In Your Wedding Ceremony
   
• You Need This Illustrated Handfasting Ceremony Guide!
   
• How to Include a Handfasting in Your Wedding Ceremony or Vow Renewal
   
• How to Tie a Handfasting Cord -- The Infinity Knot

Browse all Handfasting Ideas & Inspiration

 

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