Fasting of the hands

Handfasting is the marriage rite used by many neo-Pagans and Wiccans.  The term 
itself comes from the custom of shaking hands over a contract. It was used in 
Scotland for the engagement period of a year and a day before a wedding was 
proved.

In most Pagan traditions today it may mean a non-state registered wedding or one 
in which a marriage license is filed.  For some it is a year and a day, 
renewable "so long as love shall last" and for others a commitment to be 
together through many lives.

There are probably as many rituals for this as there are people who have joined 
themselves together.

The hands are generally bound with a cord as part of the ritual.