cord ceremony

Banteay Srei, Ankor Complex Cambodia

In Asia the color red is sacred and signifies great joy.  This idea, goes well with an old Cambodian Fable that states, couples who are fated to be together are attached to one another by an invisible, red cord.  The fable is told, that as the years go by, the cord begins to shrink in length.  Each passing year the cord gets smaller and smaller, so by the time the two soul mates have grown, and are ready to love, they are standing face to face.  

In a cord ceremony, this fable is shared out loud. After the reading or sharing of this story, the officiant takes a long red cord and ties a knot into the center and speaks of a blessing or wish for the couples happiness.  The cord is then handed off to the immediate family  and they are asked to make a silent prayer for the couple and tie a knot in the cord.  Mothers and Fathers make their silent prayers and tie their knots.  Siblings then make their silent prayers and tie their knots.  The cord can then be passed through the wedding attendants, bridesmaids and groomsmen, all make silent prayers and then tie a knot.  The cord is then given back to the officiant who drapes the cord over the brides shoulder and blesses the couple. 

The red cord is said to be a tangible reminder of the loving blessings and wishes made for the couple on their wedding day.