To Have And To Hold

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Irene van Maarseveen Many Happy Hours

1- 4 1s followed by 2s dance down, Bar 4: 1M dances below 1L who dances under 1M's arm to change sides and 1s face up, 2s divide and dance below 1s
5- 8 1s followed by 2s dance up, Bar 8: 1M dances above 1L who dances under 1M's arm to change sides, 2s dance out to place
9-16 1s+2s turn on sides 1½ (Men RH, Ladies LH). 1s dance down between 3s, cast up, take prom hold with partner facing 2L
17-24 1s+2nd corners dance diagonal RSh reel of 3. 1s end in centre facing 2M
25-32 1s+1st corners dance diagonal LSh reel of 3. 1s end in 2nd place own side. 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

"To Have and to Hold" is a phrase commonly associated with traditional marriage vows. These vows are part of the marriage ceremony and are exchanged between the couple as a symbolic commitment to each other. The phrase expresses the idea that the individuals are promising to hold onto each other, both in good times and in bad, and to have and to hold each other in a loving and committed relationship.

The complete traditional wedding vows, often used in Christian ceremonies, typically include the following or similar expressions:

"I, [Name], take you, [Partner's Name], to be my lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

Let's break down the significance of the phrase "To Have and to Hold":

1.To Have: This implies the commitment to possess and hold onto each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It expresses the idea of mutual belonging and exclusivity.

2.To Hold: This suggests the promise to support and embrace each other through all the challenges and joys of life. It signifies a commitment to stand by one another, offering comfort, strength, and stability.

These vows are deeply symbolic and reflect the couple's intention to share their lives with each other completely. While variations of vows exist and couples may choose to customize their vows to make them more personal, the essence of the commitment to have and to hold each other remains a central theme in many wedding ceremonies.

"To Have and to Hold" is also the title of a historical novel written by American author Mary Johnston, first published in 1900. 'Tho I highly doubt that this novel inspired the title to this dance.

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