“Tying the knot” is an age-old saying that refers to a marriage ceremony. Some wedding ceremonies include a symbolic knot tying – that binds the hands of the groom and bride together – it seals the marriage.

It isn’t clear whether this expression derives from an actual knot used in marriage ceremonies or whether the knot is merely symbolic of a lasting unity. Knots have a place in the folklore of many cultures and usually symbolize unbreakable pledges. Actual knots have certainly been used in marriage ceremonies for some time and the tradition of trying the wrists of the bride and groom with twine continues today in marriages in the use of sashes which are placed over the principal’s wrists. The word ‘knot’, although not in the phrase ‘tie the knot’, has been associated with marriage since at least the 13th century. The Legend of St. Katherine, circa 1225 used the Middle English ‘cnotte’, that is, ‘knot’, to mean ‘the tie or bond of wedlock; the marriage or wedding knot’:

Embracing hands has long been a symbol of love and the ritual of handfasting dates back to the ancient Mayans, the Hindu Vedic community, and the Celts in Scotland.

According to BBC, “handfasting is the symbolic act of a couple’s hands being tied together, often with cords or ribbons, representing their union.” The most evidence of where this ritual originated was present around the Middle Ages, but handfasting was a symbol of engagement, not marriage. Prior to 1939, it was legally recognized by Scotland as a marriage practice in place of church weddings.

The phrase “hand in marriage” stems from this practice.

Tied knots may be a symbol of marriage however, when I created this piece, I was contemplating all the relationships in my life; not just my marriage. 

Over the course of a lifetime (if we’re lucky)  we create a great many connections: parents, friends, siblings, lovers, spouses, children, teachers and employers. These individuals can have a lasting impact on our lives – and with even more luck – its a positive impact.  

Although there have been a number of people that I have felt a kinship to, the number of people who I would say know me, really know who I am on the inside I can count on one hand. 

Sometimes we grow away from these people – our feelings change or we just envision for ourselves a life our connections can no longer fit into. That’s when those ties are even more binding – we fight agains the chords as they metaphorically tighten around us. It can be a painful and painstaking process to untie those ties that bind.  It can also be a surprisingly quick cut; and then they’re gone and life can start anew.