These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Background Info:
The “Blessing of the Hands” is a popular wedding ceremony reading that is often used during the exchange of rings or a hand-fasting ritual. The poem is a beautiful expression of the love, support, and tenderness that a couple will share throughout their marriage.
Origins
While the exact origin of the poem is unclear, it is most commonly associated with an unknown Celtic tradition[2]. Some sources attribute it to Francis Reilly, an Irish man from Cavan[2], while others suggest it was written by Rev. Daniel L. Harris[3]. However, it seems that Harris may have used the poem in his ceremonies but did not write it himself.
The “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony is a ritual that draws the couple closer together and symbolically brings their hearts and lives as one[1]. In some cultures, such as Thai ceremonies, the couple kneels as elder, married relatives pour blessed water from a conch shell onto their hands and offer words of blessing.
In the Celtic tradition of hand-fasting, the couple’s hands are literally tied together to symbolize spiritual and physical unity as prayers and blessings are recited[1]. The “Blessing of the Hands” poem is often used in these ceremonies to accompany the hand-fasting or as an alternative to reciting traditional vows[3].
Symbolism
The poem itself focuses on the importance of the couple’s hands in their marriage, emphasizing how they will work together, comfort each other, hold their children, and grow old together. It is a powerful reminder of the deep love and commitment that the couple shares.
Citations:
[1] https://bridalmusings.com/8545/ceremony-reading-blessing-of-the-hands/
[2] https://www.twopawsvideo.com/post/wedding-reading-ideas-2-blessing-of-the-hands
[3] https://onefabday.com/ceremony-reading-blessing-of-the-hands-by-rev-daniel-l-harris/