Simple but with meaning, Celtic weddings are laced with evocative traditions that have been around and celebrated for centuries.
Here are 5 ways to incorporate a Celtic theme in to your wedding.
Tying the Knot
The phrase ‘tying the knot’ is used regularly when it comes to getting married but it actually originates from Celtic times. Traditionally when a couple were getting married, the couple would clasp their hands together at one point in the ceremony and a ribbon or rope would be wound around them as a demonstration of their plan to spend the rest of their lives together, hence the saying ‘tying the knot’. The process is also known as ‘handfasting’, as the couple hold right hand to right hand and left hand to left hand with their wrists crossed over when the ribbon or rope is passed over their hands.
A Horseshoe Symbol
The horseshoe is well known as a symbol of good luck and in Celtic tradition the horseshoe is also seen as an important symbol around weddings. A small symbol of a horseshoe is carried around by brides even to this day as a symbol of good luck to them and to their marriages. The horseshoe should be displayed pointing upwards to prevent the luck from running out and can be included in wedding decorations or floral bouquets.
The Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is synonymous with Irish and Celtic history and including it in a wedding ceremony is a great nod to Irish tradition. Typically passed down from mother to daughter or grandmother to granddaughter, it is a beautiful gift idea to mark the special occasion of an engagement or a wedding. It can also be of course given to the bride by the groom as its message and symbolism is perfect for a wedding, with the hands symbolizing friendship, the crown representing loyalty and the heart in the middle representing love.
Mi na Meala
The honeymoon was a little extended back in Celtic and Irish traditions and Mi na Meala translates as the month of honey. This refers to a full month after the wedding, when the bride and groom would continue the celebrations by drinking mead. This is a brew made of fermented honey and is still drunk at celebrations such as at the banquets in Bunratty Castle in County Clare. Following their wedding, the couple would be given a large supply of mead, along with accompanying goblets so that they could enjoy the drink for one full moon after their wedding. It was believed that this would provide a great beginning to married life and help with romance, virility and fertility.
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| Bunratty Castle |
Celtic Music
One of the most important Celtic traditions around weddings is the music. Celtic and Irish music can create a fantastic atmosphere at any wedding, whether to set the scene as an accompaniment, just for the first dance of the bride and groom or throughout the wedding. There is a huge selection of Irish music available to choose from, with translations readily available to set the scene for a truly spectacular Irish and Celtic wedding.
If you want to give your wedding some Celtic and Irish charm, why not include some of these fun traditions in to your wedding celebrations.