The ritual of handwashing has been known to cultures around the globe for thousands of years, and with good reason. Water “cleansed” long before anyone considered the benefits of hygiene. And for humans our hands represent the give and take, the fist and the open palm of love. Little defines us as humans like our hands, so it’s no wonder the ritual remains largely unchanged.
The metaphors around the ritual of handwashing are boundless. A Handwashing Ceremony is a new beginning, a fresh start on a new path together, clean. For couples getting married a handwashing is a beautifully touching way to begin the wedding.
For couples wishing to renew their vows a Handwashing Ceremony is all the more poignant, for what good marriage couldn’t use a little forgiveness now and then?
The Cacapon River means “medicine” or “healing waters” in the Shawnee language. At the Appalachian Wedding Chapel we’re in the habit of asking the river first before taking any water for this ceremony, and it is something we encourage our couples to do if they are bringing water from another source. Jenni and Josh in these pictures brought water from the Smoky Mountains.
At the appointed time in the ceremony, the celebrant gives a short invocation (probably using a few of those metaphors we mentioned) then invites the couple to take turns pouring water over and washing each other’s hands.
We carry beautiful, locally crafted pitchers and basins in our boutique – so locally crafted in fact, even the clay comes from Hampshire County! For something truly unique, we’ll even personalize your handwashing pitcher with your names and the date of your wedding!