As brides and grooms of many ethnicities find to their delight,
it's a rare nationality that doesn't offer its own distinct (and
often colorful) wedding traditions — and the Irish are no exception.
In fact, the Irish have so many intriguing traditions, it's easy
to tell an Irish wedding from any other. Some of the better-known
ones include Claddagh rings, ancient Celtic superstitions, a special
toast featuring that ancient Irish beverage, honey mead, and of
course the kilts and bagpipes.
One Heart, Two Hands
The Claddagh ring plays a special role in a traditional Irish wedding.
Even if you've never seen one, they're still easy to identify —
every Claddagh ring features two hands holding a heart (symbolizing
love) that's topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty). In the most
traditional Irish weddings, the Claddagh ring is passed down from
mother to daughter from generation to generation, not purchased
by the bride or groom.
Another tradition involving the Claddagh states that a woman who
is engaged wear the ring with the crown tips facing outward, toward
the fingertips, on the right hand. In this position, the ring symbolizes
that the wearer is taken. When the bride actually marries, she moves
the ring to the left hand, still facing outward, signifying that
her heart is taken forever.
On the other hand (so to speak), an unattached man or woman typically
wears the ring on the right hand with the crown pointing inward,
symbolizing that the wearer's heart is still unoccupied. Though
according to tradition, all this is slightly counter-intuitive —
so you'll sometimes find web sites stating the opposite.
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|
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| The "available" wearer |
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The "attached" wearer |
Something Old ...
Ancient superstitions also lend their color to a traditional Irish
wedding — and may even ward off bad luck. For example, at an Irish
wedding, a rainy day isn't only cause for grimaces, it's a superstitious
omen. Ancient tradition dictates that the sun must shine down on
the bride for the couple to enjoy good luck. Birds also play an
important role in blessing an Irish wedding. The couple's sure to
have good luck if they see three magpies or hear a cuckoo bird on
their wedding day. Yet another interesting superstition says it's
bad luck if a woman is the first one to congratulate the bride.
For that reason, a male relative or friend of the groom usually
takes pains to be first to wish her well.
The traditional Irish wedding usually wraps up with a toast that's
been passed down through the ages. When the reception ends, the
guests gather around the newlyweds for one last toast. The couple
starts things off by saying,
"Friends and relatives, so fond and dear,
'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here.
When many years this day has passed,
fondest memories will always last.
So we drink a cup of Irish mead
and ask God's blessing in your hour of need."
The well-versed guests then respond to the toast by answering:
"On this special day, our wish to you,
the goodness of the old, the best of the new.
God bless you both who drink this mead,
may it always fill your every need."
Men in Kilts
Although it may seem unexpectedly Scottish, it's very traditional
Irish to have bagpipes and kilts at your wedding (both nationalities
draw the playing o'the pipes from a shared Celtic tradition). Especially
lucky brides and grooms will see their friends and family pipe them
into the ceremony and reception, just as tradition dictates. Later
on, perhaps the bagpipers will charm the guests out of their seats
with an assortment of very old tunes. Not only will friends and
family enjoy contributing their unique musical abilities to the
occasion, they're also sure to love dressing up in those traditional
Irish kilts. The look and the sound of the bagpipers contributes
to a truly traditional, not to mention unforgettable, occasion.
What else makes a traditional Irish wedding? Good friends, good
music, and lots of food, including time-honored offerings like soda
bread, shepherd's pie, leek and potato soup, and a delicious wedding
cake based on fruitcake. Add these to your Claddagh rings, observe
a few ancient superstitions, and you're sure to have good luck lasting
long beyond the day of your traditional Irish wedding.
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