Weal and Woe

When St Kilda was populated, their marriages were celebrated after the following manner. When two of them have agreed to take one another for man and wife, the officer who presides over them summonses all the inhabitants of both sexes to Christ’s Chapel, where, being assembled, he inquires publicly if there be any lawful impediment why these parties should not be joined in the bond of holy matrimony; and if there be no objection to the contrary, he then inquires of the parties if they are resolved to live together in weal and woe.

After their assent, he declares them married persons, and desires them to ratify this, their solemn promise, in the presence of God and the people; in order to which, the crucifix is tendered to them, and both put their right hands upon it, as the ceremony by which they swear fidelity one to another during their lifetime.

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