MARRIAGE: Definition of HANDFAST, a form of marriage in earlier days.

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Contributed by kybrenda@aol.com & Lora Young
Date: 17 Aug 2000 
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H/F  equals Handfast and is defined as a bethrothal or a contract.  (a form of Marriage)

The rite of handfast goes back to the beginnings of Christianity in Scandinavai and Iceland, 
and eventually into Scotland.  From the original idea cam Common Law Marriages, and Reading 
of the Banns in church and the Hand Shake to finalize a deal.  The traditions lasted well 
into the 20th century especially in the isolated areas and mountain areas.

Handfasting is the to announce the union between a man and woman who wish to live together 
as husband and wife before receiving the blessing of the church.The couple stand before 
their peers, hold hands above their heads and state their intentions.  The agreement was 
good for 1 year and 1 day, or until the preacher came to the area.

A child born of a handfast arrangement was considered legitimate and would inherit.

Many times this was an arrangement made so a man would know if a woman could have children. 
 Also in sparse areas, where there was no church, and only a preacher to come every so often 
to marry and baptize. Many children could be born and the parents only church married for 6 
months.

Handfasting is no longer acceptable.  Today the idea of a handshake alone to culminate a 
business deal is almost laughable.  Perhaps the new rise of premarital contracts or 
agreements of couples who wish to live together without the benefit of clergy is anew facet 
of the old handfast system.