I wrote this ritual for Bill and Chelsea’s nautical themed wedding at historic Mystic Seaport in Mystic Connecticut. I’ve included the stage direction so you can visualize how the ritual was enacted. As the wedding officiant, I’m identified as “Celebrant.” 
THE RITUAL
Celebrant
Here in Mystic Seaport, the history and lore of sailing surrounds us. Knots are a big part of that world. We associate knots with sailors. But they aren’t the only people known for tying knots. Knots are a part of our life, too. We tie ribbons in hair and cord on packages. We tie the laces on shoes, the drawstring on sweatpants, the belt on a bathrobe. Some of those knots are to ensure something works; some are simply for beauty. It was the same in the Old World, too, particularly for the Celts. In fact, when sailors from the Old World embarked on a long ocean voyage, they often carried a sea bag of what they called “fancy work.” When the voyage ended and the sailors returned to port, they had made belts and bracelets, rings, and hair ornaments – gifts for family and friends, particularly for a sweetheart. Continue reading →
