The expression “tying the knot” probably evolved from the traditional Celtic wedding ceremony called hand-fasting. In a ceremony of this nature the couple holds hands with guests encircling them. The couple simply pledges themselves to each other and gently binds their hands together with a cord, a strip of cloth or tartan. No third party is involved (minister, priest, judge, etc.). Hand-fasting is essentially a trial marriage contract that lasts for a year and a day, if things do not work out the two simply go their separate ways.
