Franklin, author of Midsummer and The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Faeries, offers this entertaining overview of handfasting, the traditional marriage rite used by pagans, druids and Wiccans.

Most people have heard the expression "tying the knot," but may not be familiar with the origins of this phrase. Also known as handfasting, tying the knot is one of the oldest wedding rituals we know.

Hand-tying is an ancient wedding tradition where the couple's hands are tied together, symbolizing their union ...

Among the various ways you can refer to marriage, the phrase "tying the knot" is often heard. But where does it come from? Interestingly, tying the knot is actually in relation to one of the oldest ...