Meaning and symbolism of flowers in handfasting cords
“Love is flower like.”
“Flowers don’t tell; they show.”
This Bouquet cord in rose, purple, and lace is one of many in the stunning Bloom Design range incorporating delicate flowers
Like colours, flowers are a great way to imbue your handfasting cord with meaning and contribute to telling the story of your love through your handfasting cord. This post will talk about the different meanings flowers are used to express.
GENERAL NOTES ON FLOWERS - A ‘DISCLAIMER’
As with my series on colours, I’d like to start with some general thoughts on the use of flowers in handfasting cords. Some people claim that particular flowers are traditional or authentic for handfasting cords. However, this can be misleading. Handfasting as a tradition is very old – so old in fact that we don’t know exactly when it originated or where it came from. What we DO know is that there are traces of it all over the world. What this means is that there is no linear handfasting tradition with strict ‘dos’ and ‘donts’ to adhere to and this goes for flowers just as anything else. Different flowers have had different meanings in different cultures and at different times, so there is no right or wrong set of flowers to choose from.
The cords I make are all inspired by the aesthetics and meaning of Celtic knots. One of the things I love most about Celtic culture is that the way meaning is created is never black and white but fluid and contextual. And this is exactly what I believe the most important rule is when it comes to choosing flowers for your handfasting cord: What matters most is what your chosen flower means to YOU and the story of your relationship. Handfasting cords allow us to create a ritual of love that is special and unique to our relationship. If you are not sure about whether to include a certain flower or not, just listen to your heart. It’s your ceremony and your handfasting cord, after all. With that in mind, here are some ways in which flowers are interpreted in handfastings:
This romantic Infinity Treasure Knot brings together peaceful lavender and soft lace
Lavender for lovers true
Lavender’s deep purple hue means that it is often associated with royalty and luxury. As a flower, its fragrant essence can be used to promote calm and happy sleep, giving it associations of serenity, grace and healing. In many traditions, it is a holy flower - it was sacred in ancient Greece, and later represented the Virgin Mary in Western Europe. In South Asia, its purple colour evokes the heart chakra, symbolising spirituality and higher purpose. In a handfasting cord, it can signify devotion and the serenity you find in one another.
Tie your own Infinity Knot in this Ivory and Sage Green cord with sunflower accents
Ah! Sunflower
With their bright yellow petals and simple, appealing shape, sunflowers are happy, optimistic flowers. They may not seem obviously romantic but the ancient Greek story of their origin sheds light on why they have come to symbolise loyalty and adoration. The nymph Clytie fell in love with Apollo, the sun god, and was transformed into a flower that turned its face to follow his journey across the sky. They add a cheerful touch to a handfasting cord, but they could also show that you truly have eyes for no one but your beloved.
This green Celtic Nine Knots design incorporates delicate roses alongside the rugged Scottish thistle
Flower of Scotland
The thistle is well-known as Scotland’s national flower, and would be a beautiful addition to a handfasting cord - and wedding - that draws on the romance of Scottish lochs and mountains. They have a longstanding association with nobility and authority. Their prickliness means that they are also a symbol of protection, and in the Victorian language of flowers they were even used as a warning against meddling - so you can rest assured that they’ll exert their protective powers on your special day!
This Seven Knot Wild Rose cord evokes passion, appreciation, and fresh beginnings - a perfect way to symbolise all the aspects of your love
My love is like a red, red rose
Everyone knows that red roses symbolise romance and love, but did you know that different coloured roses have subtly different shades of meaning? Here are some ideas to get you started when thinking about how you might use roses in a handfasting cord. The red rose can also symbolise passion and desire. Pink roses evoke traditional femininity, as well as appreciation, with light pink in particular symbolising grace and joy. Peach roses signify gratitude, while yellow roses represent friendship. White roses are not only beautifully bridal, but stand for innocence, purity, and fresh beginnings.
The breathtaking Fae Garden cord in beige, green and natural shades showcases the drama and wildness of roses as well as their elegance. Check out the rest of Ceotha’s floral cords here
I hope you have found this post helpful. If you would like to work with me on designing your own custom handfasting cord, please don’t hesitate to get in touch :)
Love,
Ceo