Not all wedding traditions are the same. Each one is so different from the other, which makes every wedding unique and special. From jumping the broom in black culture to the German Polterabend, there are plenty of fascinating traditions that couples still honor on their big day. And Ireland is one culture-rich country with traditions that you’ve probably heard of, but are not sure what they mean. Here are some of the sweetest Celtic traditions and the sentiments behind each of them that make these weddings so romantic and soulful.
Exchanging of The Claddagh Rings
Pictures Courtesy: @claddaghdesign
The Irish Claddagh ring first appeared in the 1700s in Galway and features two hands clasping a heart topped with a crown. Worn as an engagement ring it is placed on the left hand with the bottom of the heart pointing away from the wrist. Given during the wedding ceremony, the ring is placed with the point of the heart facing inward. Adding a beautiful personal touch, couples often choose to engrave the inside with a Gaelic sentiment. Celtic knots are also sweet symbolic jewelry pieces you can add to your bridal look.
Warding off Evil & Bringing in Luck
Pictures Courtesy: @joelserrato & @jamesandschulze
You might know that the horseshoe commonly symbolizes luck. Brides used to carry the horseshoe down the aisle, open side up, so the luck would never run out. Now, you have multiple other ways to incorporate it into your wedding day. Some brides choose to add tiny ones to their bouquets while others use them as table decor or guest favors. The shamrock with is probably the most popularly associated Irish symbol of luck is also a great element to include in your wedding. Another belief is that the sound of wedding bells wards off evil spirits, which is why church bells may ring after the wedding or guests ring tiny bells as the newlywed make their way down the aisle. Bells of Ireland flowers are also used in the bridal bouquet to represent luck.
The Handfasting Ceremony
Picture Courtesy: @the.martins.photography
Handfasting is a popular symbol of unity in many weddings. This ancient Celtic tradition dates back 2,000 years as an engagement or commitment ritual to see if the couple were compatible. Today, the ceremony can be done as part of the wedding. The officiant places a ribbon or cording around the bride and groom’s clasped hands while saying the vows of promise.
Sweet Sounding Uilleann Pipes & Celtic Harps
Pictures Courtesy: @stephaniebrazzle / @ivoryandvineeventco & @minogue_music
While the Scottish favor Highland Bagpipes, the Irish play the smaller Irish Uilleann Pipes. These are often played during the bride’s procession down the aisle, with the pipers dressed in the traditional kilts. Traditionally, they also lead the couple during their recessional. Another option is to have a harpist play the Celtic harp (a national symbol of Ireland), known for its lyrical tone that perfectly sets the tone for the sweet ceremony.
Mead For Each Other – Sláinte! To The Bride & Groom
Picture Courtesy: @meadist
The reception is sure to have Irish beverages. Meade or Mead is a honey-based drink that is the oldest in Ireland. In medieval times, the couple would toast each other with goblets full of mead and carry on with this for a month or one moon cycle (hence the origin of the term ‘honeymoon’).
If you loved these traditional symbols of love, you can find more such wedding practices from around the world. You can also check out India’s diverse wedding traditions and see how each state celebrates the couple in unique ways.
Feature Image Credit: @the.martins.photography
