
The wedding vows in Outlander, the book series by Diana Gabaldon, have become some of the most iconic scenes in the TV adaptation. In the first major wedding of the series, Jamie and Claire's ceremony, the couple leads a vow-handfasting-blood binding ceremony. Their wrists and hands are tied together as they recite their vows in Gaelic: Blood of my blood, bone of my bone. The vows are also known as a blood vow or blood oath, a powerful symbol of commitment that cannot be broken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of vow | Blood vow, handfasting |
| Language | Gaelic |
| Recited by | Jamie and Claire |
| Text | "Ye are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give ye my body, that we two might be one. I give ye my spirit, 'til our life shall be done." |
| Context | "It’s a bit pagan, but it’s customary hereabouts to have a blood vow, along with the regular marriage service." |
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What You'll Learn

The Blood Vow
In the Outlander universe, the wedding between Jamie and Claire includes a blood vow, a custom in the region where the ceremony takes place. The blood vow is a type of blood oath, a powerful symbol of commitment, which involves the spilling of blood and is considered unbreakable.
Jamie and Claire's wrists and hands are tied together as they recite the following vows in Gaelic:
> "Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."
This blood vow is a spiritual blending, binding their souls not just to God but to one another, not just for this lifetime but forevermore.
In the Outlander books, Claire confesses that she wouldn't have changed a thing about her wedding to Jamie, despite her initial hesitation to embrace the faery mythology generally accepted by the Highlanders at the time.
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'Ye Are Blood of My Blood, and Bone of My Bone'
The wedding vows in Outlander, a book series by Diana Gabaldon, are iconic and memorable, especially those between Jamie and Claire. The couple's wedding ceremony is steeped in Scottish tradition, including a blood vow, which is customary in the Highlands. This vow is a powerful symbol of commitment, with Jamie reciting:
> "Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."
This vow, also known as a blood oath or Gaelic Wedding Vow, is a magical and spiritual ritual. It symbolises a blending of souls, not just for this lifetime, but forevermore. The spilling of blood is a potent force in magic, and the blood oath is considered unbreakable.
The vows are a declaration of unity, with Jamie pledging his body and spirit to Claire, creating an intense and sacred bond. The ceremony also involves a handfasting ritual, where the couple's wrists and hands are tied together as they recite their vows in Gaelic.
The wedding is a pivotal moment in the Outlander series, with Jamie and Claire's commitment and love for each other enduring across time and lifetimes. It is a testament to the power of their relationship and the magic of the Outlander world.
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Handfasting
In the Outlander books and TV series, handfasting is a type of wedding vow ceremony. In the Outlander universe, the term "handfasting" refers to a traditional Scottish custom of a temporary marriage, where a man and a woman are vowed to each other for a year and a day. At the end of this period, the couple either separates or marries more permanently with the help of a minister.
Jamie and Claire's wedding ceremony in Outlander involves a blood vow, which is described as a "bit pagan". Their wrists and hands are tied together as they recite their vows in Gaelic: "Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, ’til our Life shall be Done."
The blood vow is a spiritual blending and a binding of souls, not just to God but to one another, and not just for this lifetime but forevermore. It is a powerful symbol and a commitment that cannot be broken.
In the Outlander universe, there are two notable handfasting ceremonies: Jamie and Claire's, and Roger and Bree's. Both weddings are strong in Scottish tradition, with the couple's hands tied together as they recite their vows.
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The Gaelic Wedding Vow
The vow, recited in Gaelic, symbolises a deep and unbreakable commitment between the couple. It involves a blood oath, a spiritual blending of their souls, not just for this lifetime but forevermore. The blood vow is described as:
> "Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."
In the context of the Outlander universe, the Gaelic Wedding Vow is more than just a romantic gesture. It represents the traditions of the time, combining a binding traditional handfasting with an initiation. The blood vow is considered a powerful symbol, with the spilling of blood also holding mystical powers in certain mythologies.
The inclusion of the Gaelic Wedding Vow in Outlander showcases the author's attention to detail and cultural traditions, adding depth and magic to the beloved characters' journey.
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The Virginity
In the Outlander universe, the concept of "want" is often equated with "love". This is evident in the wedding vows and ceremonies of the characters Jamie and Claire, as well as Roger and Bree. Jamie and Claire's wedding, in particular, included a blood vow or Gaelic blood oath, which symbolised a commitment that could not be broken. Their wrists and hands were tied together as they recited the words, "Blood of my blood, bone of my bone".
The blood vow is a custom in the Outlander universe, where a couple's blood is mixed to seal their marriage. This custom is considered a spiritual blending, binding their souls not just to God but to each other, and not just for this lifetime but forevermore.
In the case of Jamie and Claire, the blood vow was a serious matter. Jamie consulted Murtagh before agreeing to the marriage, indicating that he intended to be wed only once. Jamie's conditions for the marriage also ensured that the ceremony was as special as possible for both him and Claire.
While the blood vow is a powerful symbol of commitment, it is not the only type of wedding vow in Outlander. In the book series, there is also the concept of handfasting, which is a temporary marriage or vow where a man and a woman are vowed to each other for a year and a day. At the end of this period, they either find a minister and wed more permanently or go their separate ways.
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Frequently asked questions
The wedding vows in Outlander include the Gaelic Wedding Vow, also known as the blood vow, which is a blood oath that symbolises a commitment that cannot be broken. The vow goes as follows:
> Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, ’til our Life shall be Done.
The blood vow is a spiritual blending and a binding of the couple's souls, not just to God but to one another, and not just for this lifetime, but forevermore.
Handfasting is a temporary marriage that is popular in the Isles and the remoter parts of the Highlands. A man and a woman are vowed to each other for a year and a day. At the end of it, they either find a minister and wed more permanently or they go their separate ways.


















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