When Bigg and I decided to have a Handfasting ceremony, we didn’t know exactly what it would look like. We knew there would be some kind of chord, or ribbon and some people would tie them or wrap them around our hands and say cool stuff to send us on our married journey. Details were for later.
Well, crap, then later came. And suddenly we had to get our shit together and bring all these ideas to life. Enter the Google. Anything you need to know? It’s there. As in, Handfasting traditions and ribbon color meanings. Each color was assigned to a person or a group for a reason. Strength for our Highland Game friends; Purple was power for my cousins whom are so dear to me; Brown represents home for my daughter, etc. We laid them out on our beautiful table as they were blessed and watched over by the first Buddha my dear friend Veronique gave me. Enough folks have asked what all the colors mean, so here goes (in order):
Red (Mama Wanat): Passion, Strength, Fertility
Green (Hawkeye, Matt’s Dad): Finances, Charity, Health
Yellow (Jerry, my awesome Bro): Charm, Balance, Confidence
Brown (Zandra): Earth, Grounding, Home
Black (Jason & Jane Clevenger): Strength, Wisdom, Success
Orange (Guy & David, Hawaiian Uncle’s): Encouragement, Kindness, Attraction
Purple (Stacy, Paul, and Denise, my wonderful cousins): Power, Sentimentality
Pink (Amber & Brian): Honor, Truth, Romance, Happiness (And pink is their daughter Delia’s favorite color;)
Gold (Jenn minus Clay): Energy, Wealth, Intelligence
Silver (Becky & Mike, Matt’s sister and BIL): Treasure, Values, Creativity
White (Jeff & KCon, two of my pilots): Concentration, Meditation, Peace
Blue (My wonderful Uncles, Dennis & Ron): Devotion, Sincerity, Patience
And that’s it. All the colors, all the meaning.
Every blessing we received was special. From fun and funny, to meaningful and thoughtful. From lighthearted to deep connection, they were all amazing. You all can’t imagine how many times we heard throughout the day how wonderful our family and friends are. But ya, we knew that. Duh. Heh.
As much as I abhor singling someone out. I need to. Cuz she doesn’t understand what she did for me that day. But first we need to roll back the clock a bit…
Last November, as some of you know. Matt and I hit a brick wall. We were done. The moving truck was scheduled. The anger had passed and there was deep, deep sadness. As I’ve mentioned before, my dear friend Veronique was the one who shook some sense into me and told me I HAD to forgive. Words don’t matter, only love. Forgive. Don’t let this go. We made it, thanks to her and a few of my other dear friends who didn’t judge or take sides, only loved and supported. Jenn & Clay, Amber and Brian. So amazing.
When Bigg and I decided to marry, I called V and told her she needs to be here. We wouldn’t be here without her. We’ll fly her in, put her up. Include the Hubby if we can. But she is really the guest of honor because this would not be happening without her. Well, life can be a cruel Bitch and V died of Cancer weeks before the wedding. There were signs of her on our day; a painting she gave me when I moved away, one of the first Buddha’s she gave me when I was struggling in Texas in my environment. She was there in spirit, but not as we had planned.
When my friend Jenn (minus hubby Clay who was working but was able to stop by McBob’s later) stepped up to the plate with her Gold Ribbon, something powerful was about to happen. It was felt. She doesn’t know this. But when she stood before us, there was more than just her standing there. There was the love of Veronique; and the words of those important days and how we all came out of it; and a glass angel that was Jenn’s mother’s who had also passed on from Cancer and all the love Jenn has for her came through to us. There was a connection to all of these amazing ladies who held us up when we most needed it.
Each person, group, or couple held an important role in our special day. We’re so amazingly thankful for you all. But Jenn, you were given the duty that day to bring more than you’d imagined. And I thank you.
Our ribbons are in our basket, bound by all the love we received. The glass angel is right next to it and is impossible to not feel the love every time I pass by and touch it . That is exactly what we were hoping for on our day. Thank you all.
Oh, I’m SO going to bless this union.
Jason
tosabarbell 