Meaning and symbolism of the colour green in handfasting cords

"Green is the fresh emblem of well-founded hopes. In blue, the spirit can wander, but in green, it can rest." (Mary Webb)

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” (Pedro Calderón de la Barca)

Josephine Chain in four shades of green, inspired by the colour of a Scottish Loch. Check it out here

Colours 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 the colour green is used to express.

General notes on colours - a ‘disclaimer’

First, I’d like to start with some general thoughts on the use of colours in handfasting cords. Some people claim that particular colours 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 colour just as anything else. Different colours have had different meanings in different cultures and at different times, so there is no right or wrong set of colours 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 the colour of your handfasting cord: What matters most is what your chosen colour 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 colour 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 the colour green is usually interpreted in handfastings:

Hope, new life

Green is the colour of fresh new leaves emerging after a long winter. Because of this, Green can represent a positive outlook on the future, hope, and new life. In your handfasting cord this might represent the foundation of hope you are laying with your union or symbolise the beginning of a new life together full of potential and exciting plans.

This is is just one variation of my Bloom Design range which leans on the aesthetic of natural leaves and flowers. To check out more Bloom Designs, check out here

Fertility , creation

Since green is the colour of new growth, it also represents fertility and creation in general. You might want to use in green in your handfasting cord to represent your ambitions of starting a family together. However, it could also refer to something else (a project, a garden, a business, a shared dream) that you are hoping to build and grow together.

This is a variation of my Wild Seven Knot design which features roses, leafy vine, and the colours of your choise

Luck (of the irish)

The colour green is closely connected to Ireland (the Emerald Isle). It’s the colour of Ireland’s beautiful green hills, as well as the colour of the shamrock, another Irish symbol. ‘The luck of the Irish’ might be why the colour green is generally thought of to symbolise luck. Using green in your handfasting cord might mean that your union is a lucky on - either because of the circumstances of you finding each other or that there is good fortune ahead.

The Triple Love Knot was one of the first cords I designed. It’s a great example of how using only a touch of colour can make a big impact

Prosperity, and money

Due to it’s association with good fortune and growth (as described earlier) the colour green also symbolises money and prosperity. While some people may say that true love is above material matters, it can’t hurt to invite some financial stability into your life by including the colour green into the design of your handfasting cord.

Sometimes the biggest colour impact comes from the accessories used, like the Peacock feathers in my ‘Splendour’ design

Balance, harmony and health

The colour green also symbolises balance, harmony, and health. On the colour spectrum, the warmth of yellow and the coolness of blue come together in the colour Green. Green also symbolises the ebb and flow of life which is at the core of natural harmony. Using green elements in your handfasting cord can be a great way to symbolise a healthy, balanced relationship.

This variation of my ‘Hearts Entwined’ design is made entirely from recycled cotton

Fidelity

While this is not a a very common association with the colour Green, it is a powerful one nonetheless. The colour Green with its immediate connection to nature can symbolise a natural place for us to rest. The kind of fidelity which green symbolises is the fidelity born out of the deep and natural connection between two partners - a bond which was almost meant to be and that is so strong, it is part of nature itself

The original Nine Knot design is one of my personal favourits

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