Clare talks to BBC Radio Bristol!

Celebrant wraps colourful braided ribbons around couple’s hands in handfasting ceremony

I was declared a Local Expert by John Dervall from BBC Bristol! We talked about the history and origins of the expression ‘tie the knot’.

Honestly, I really didn’t need much encouragement to chat about one of my favourite subjects! There was so much more I could have said, (but isn’t that just always the way?)

If you don’t want to (or can’t)  listen to my melodious voice on the radio (what?) then read on as some of my favourite moments are transcribed below.

Where does this whole ‘tying the knot thing come from?

“It comes from a different kind of wedding ceremony, less commonly known, called a handfasting. The couple's hands are tied together with a selected cord or ribbon as a symbol of their love and commitment, and the knot that is tied becomes representative of their union.”

“I have heard that some couples back in the day stayed tied together for the rest of the day, which I think sounds quite fun, a bit like a three legged race but with hands and less racing!”

“In parts of India they also use the phrase tie the knot, it’s not just in Europe. It’s common in India during a wedding ceremony for the groom to tie a thread around the neck of the bride as a necklace and later the thread is exchanged for a gold necklace.”

“A knot lends itself really well as a visual symbol of a commitment, something’s been agreed upon, and you can go back and see that it was so.”

“I do a lot of very interesting, very unique weddings… The couples I work with really find their own path through the ceremony structure and really make it their own.”

“Thank you so much for joining us, Clare Smith, Independent Celebrant of ‘I Do Declare’ (Love that!) Clare, thank you very much for being our expert!”