Irish traditions

[irishmatrimony]

Is anyone working some Irish traditions into their DW? Fun reception ideas? Anyone brought Irish soda bread to a destination

[lil_miss_frogg]

I googles Irish Wedding Traditions....and came across a few.

 

* Bunratty Meade is a honey wine that's served at the Bunratty Castle medieval banquet. It's from a recipe based on the oldest drink in Ireland and if you've never tasted it, it's well worth trying. In the old days, it was consumed at weddings because it was thought that it promoted virility. (If a baby was born nine months after the wedding, it was attributed to the mead!) Couples also drank it from special goblets for a full month following the wedding, which is supposedly where we get the word honeymoon. This was to protect the couple from the fairies coming to spirit the bride away.

 

* Lucky horseshoe. Irish brides used to carry a real horseshoe for good luck. (Turned up so the luck won't run out). You can get porcelain horseshoes which most Irish brides carry these days, or one made of fabric which is worn on the wrist.

 

* Magic Hanky. This charming custom involves having the bride carry a special hanky that with a few stitches can be turned into a christening bonnet for the first baby. With a couple of snips it can be turned back into a hanky that your child can carry on his/her wedding day.

 

* Make-up bells. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away, restore harmony if a couple is fighting, and also remind a couple of their wedding vows. Giving a bell as a gift has become an Irish tradition. You could also have your greeters hand out tiny bells to your guests to ring as you process. (You might want to let them know when they're supposed to be rung - perhaps mention it in your program along with an explanation of the custom). Guests could also ring their little bells at the reception in lieu of clinking glasses.

 

* Irish Dancers. Consider hiring a group of Irish dancers to hand out your programs before the ceremony. Dressed in their full regalia, it would add a wonderful touch of of pageantry and color. They could also dance at the reception later.

 

* Flowers. In the old days, many Irish brides wore a wreath of wildflowers in their hair; they also carried them in bouquets. For my daughter's wedding, our florist designed gorgeous bouquets that included a flower called Bells of Ireland. In Wales, brides carried live myrtle and gave a sprig to each bridesmaid which they planted. If it grew, the bridesmaid would marry within the year. If you're planning a more general Celtic celebration, this might be worth considering.

 

* Ancient custom: In the old days, couples ate salt and oatmeal at the beginning of their reception: Each of them took three mouthfuls as a protection against the power of the evil eye. Also, when a couple is dancing, the bride can't take both feet off the floor because the fairies will get the upper hand. Fairies love beautiful things and one of their favorites is a bride. There's many an Irish legend about brides being spirited away by the little people! For the same reason, it's bad luck for a bride to wear green. I've also heard that it's bad luck for anyone to wear green at an Irish wedding - but I think it really only applies to the bride. It's also bad luck for a bride or the groom to sing at their own wedding.

 

Just a few....there are TONS. I am thinking I will do the horseshoe one. Have one put on my garter or something. Hope this is what you were looking for.

 

~Samie~

[Spazz]

The only thing I did was have the Irish Marriage Blessing read during the ceremony. Let us know what you come up with. I love Irish traditions!

[irishmatrimony]

I think we will do the bells, horseshoe, and Irish soda bread... although I am not sure if I will make it the day before myself and bring it or have them make it there! We're getting married in Mexico so moroccas were going to be our "kiss" signal... I'm leaning towards the wedding bells though! Did anyone see PS I Love You? I loved it at the funeral when everyone could come up and do a shot of Jamieson! I think we may do that too! Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming!

[boston_012]

These are sort of old school Irish traditions, many from the pagan days. If that suits you, more power to ya! Personally, I think (though you and your fiance would have to be okay with it) vows in Irish would be way cooler than carrying around a 5-pound horseshoe. Maybe not even the entire vow, but just a section of it. My $0.02.

[SAM]

Also sixpence in your shoe.

[boston_012]

The only decent vows I found on Google, while searching for "Wedding Vows As Gaelige".

 

Chun grá a thabhairt dá chéile go dilis,

Má fearr sinn, má measa,

Má saibhir, má bocht,

Má tinn nó má slán

Go scara an bás sinn.

 

A (Ainm), caith an fáinne seo mar chomhartha ár ngrá agus ár ndílseacht.

In (ainm) an Athar agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh.

 

That last part is religious, but suitable for all Christian denominations.

[irishmatrimony]

Thanks! The Gaelic idea is stellar! You guys are the best!