The Eternity Knot: A Wedding Guide To Tying The Perfect Knot

The eternity knot, also known as the infinity knot, is a popular ritual for couples to perform during their wedding ceremony. The couple ties the knot themselves, which symbolises their binding commitment to each other. The eternity knot is an ornamental knot that symbolises a never-ending cycle, which makes it a perfect symbol for eternal love. The knot is often used in jewellery, such as necklaces, lanyards, and wedding bands. It can also be used as a decorative element on items such as zipper pulls. Couples can choose to use a single cord or multiple cords/ropes/ribbons for their eternity knot, and it is recommended to practice tying the knot before the wedding ceremony.

The eternity knot's symbolism

The eternity knot, also known as the endless knot or the glorious knot, is a powerful symbol with a variety of meanings that make it a popular choice for weddings. The knot has a single cord that weaves within itself, creating a closed, symmetrical design with no beginning or end. This distinctive shape lends itself beautifully to jewellery designs, especially for pendants, charms and earrings.

One of the oldest symbols, the eternity knot dates back thousands of years, with roots in Eastern cultures. It has been found on clay tablets from the Indus Valley Civilisation (2500 BC) and is significant in Tibetan Buddhism. The knot is also found in Celtic, Chinese, Kazakh, Jain, Hindu and Islamic cultures.

The eternity knot is one of the eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the offerings made to the Shakyamuni Buddha when he achieved enlightenment. As a Buddhist symbol, it carries complex significance, often associated with the infinite wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. It symbolises the endless movement of time, the eternal continuum of the mind, and the interconnectedness of all beings on Earth.

In other interpretations, the eternity knot represents the interdependence of religion and secular affairs, the endless cycle of birth and death, and the omnipresence of the Buddha. It is also a symbol of good fortune, positivity, and harmony, reminding us of the links to our karmic fate.

How to tie the knot

The eternity knot, also known as the infinity knot, is a beautiful and meaningful addition to your wedding ceremony. This ornamental knot is a symbol of your never-ending love and commitment, represented by the recognisable eternity symbol in the knot's shape.

The eternity knot is a wonderful way to involve your guests in the ceremony, and it works particularly well with a nautical-themed wedding. The ritual is rich in symbolism: as the knot is tied and pressure is applied, it strengthens, much like a marriage.

Firstly, ensure you have the right supplies. You will need a single cord or multiple cords/ropes/ribbons. The ropes should be about 4 feet long—enough to make the knot, but not too long that they become difficult to manage during the ceremony.

Begin by holding the ends of both ropes, with your partner doing the same. When prompted by the officiant, you will both simultaneously loop your rope to create two loose knots on either end of the ropes. Practice this movement beforehand so that you can perform it effortlessly on the day.

Finally, when prompted by the officiant, pull firmly on the rope in your right hand to form a tight knot. And there you have it—you've tied the knot!

The eternity knot is a beautiful and unique way to symbolise your love and commitment during your wedding ceremony. With some practice, you can make this a seamless and engaging part of your special day.

The type of rope to use

The type of rope you use for your eternity knot will depend on the look and feel you want to achieve. If you're going for a rustic or natural look, consider using a rope made from jute or cotton. These materials have a soft, earthy texture that can add to the symbolism of your knot-tying ceremony. Jute rope is also a great option if you want to include a pop of colour, as it takes dye well and can be found in a variety of shades.

For a more elegant or luxurious feel, you might opt for a ribbon or cord. Ribbons can be made from a variety of materials, including satin, silk, or velvet, and come in a wide range of colours and widths. They can add a touch of sophistication to your eternity knot, especially if you choose a thicker ribbon that will make the knot stand out. Cords also offer a similar effect and can be made from materials like cotton, silk, or synthetic fibres.

If you're looking for something unique or want to incorporate natural elements, consider using vines or scarves to create your eternity knot. This is a great way to add a personal touch and make your ceremony even more memorable.

When selecting the type of rope, keep in mind that thicker cords or ribbons will make the infinity knot more obvious. You'll also want to ensure you have enough length to work with; a minimum of 4 feet is recommended for an effective knot.

Remember, the type of rope you choose is a personal preference, and you can always mix and match different materials and colours to create a handfasting rope that truly represents your style and the symbolism of your wedding ceremony.

The length of rope to use

The length of rope you will need to make an eternity knot for a wedding depends on how you want to incorporate it into your ceremony.

If you are planning to use the rope as a decorative item, such as a necklace or lanyard, a shorter length of rope will be needed. The exact length will depend on the size of the item you are making and the thickness of the rope you choose. For example, if you are making a necklace, the length of rope will depend on the circumference of the wearer's neck.

If you are planning to use the eternity knot as part of a handfasting ceremony, where the couple ties the knot themselves, you will need a longer length of rope. In this case, it is recommended that you get at least 4 feet of rope to ensure that the knot is obvious and that the couple has enough rope to work with. This length of rope will allow for a thick and visible knot, symbolizing the couple's strong and everlasting love.

The eternity knot is a beautiful and symbolic choice for a wedding, representing the never-ending cycle of love and commitment. The length of rope you choose will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences, but ensuring you have enough rope to create a visible and secure knot is essential.

You may also want to consider the type of rope or cord you use. Traditional handfasting ceremonies often used vines, colourful cords, or scarves, but you can choose any material that suits your wedding theme and colours.

The ritual's history

The eternity knot, also known as the endless knot, is a powerful symbol with a rich history in multiple cultures and religions. While the exact steps for tying an eternity knot are not within the scope of the provided sources, its rituals and history are detailed below.

The endless knot is an important cultural marker in places influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It also holds significance in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Celtic symbolism, Kazakh symbolism, and Chinese symbolism.

The endless knot's origins can be traced back to clay tablets from the Indus Valley civilization, dating as far back as 2500 BC. In Hinduism, the endless knot, known as Srivatsa, is associated with the goddess Lakshmi and is considered a sacred mark on the chest of Vishnu.

In Buddhism, the endless knot symbolises the endless cycle of Samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth within Tibetan Buddhism. It also represents the interplay between opposing forces in the dualistic world, leading to their union and harmony in the universe.

In the context of weddings, the eternity knot or infinity knot is often associated with the ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting. In this ritual, the couple's hands are bound together with ropes, vines, or colourful cords to symbolise their commitment and the intertwining of their lives. The infinity knot, with its continuous loop, symbolises eternal love and unity between the couple.

While the specific steps for creating an eternity knot may vary depending on cultural and religious contexts, its overall symbolism remains consistent, representing eternity, unity, and the infinite nature of love and commitment.

Frequently asked questions