Originating in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries, a handfasting ceremony was a way to make a contract with your beloved. In other words: marry him or her. The Scottish term itself roughly translates into "to strike a bargain by joining hands," and was considered a Celtic tradition during a wedding ceremony. It's also historically part of all Pagan and Wiccan celebrations, dating hundreds of years. In fact, handfasting expert and designer Oleta Collins  explained when it first originated, duos needed to wear the ribbon for a year and a day, and then decide if they would like to stay married. If they wanted to separate, it would be as if they were never married. Sort of like a 'trial marriage' rather than a traditional wedding. They are also used for Engaged couples kind of like a promise of getting married at a later date.