- For other uses, see Bonding.
The Bonding was a ritual that was present within the Vulcan civilization.
Traditionally, a Vulcan high priestess links a Vulcan boy and girl telepathically during their koon-ut-la, or betrothal, ceremony. The telepathic link calls the young couple together at the time of pon farr. The completed telepathic bond deepens between the couple after the official marriage ceremony when they are adults. (TOS novel: Mind Meld)
No Vulcan marriage was complete without a Bonding which bound the two to a greater level than simple custom. (TOS novel: Sarek)
A telepathic bond also might be formed through sexual contact between an unmarried male and female. It was possible for a Vulcan to form a telepathic bond with a male or female from another species as well as with another Vulcan. (ENT episode: "Bound")
Another form of bonding was an ancient rite that had been lost for centuries by the time of the 24th century though it was discovered by that time. This rite dated back to when the Vulcan race first began to harness their incredible telepathic powers which led to extremely deep as well as profound unions of the mind. These initial bondings were done with young helpless infants by the parents as it was believed that it was easier to meld with family members with whom one shared blood rather than distant relatives or friends. Once made, the child was capable of being linked to their parents more firmly which was both a sacred act as well as quite powerful. (VOY novel: Homecoming)