IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS

Irish wedding traditions date far back in history and many have survived in one form or another

today. These Irish wedding traditions were rooted in nature, came from folklore and superstitions

passed on through generations of Irish. Today Irish couples around the world seek to incorporate

these ancient Irish wedding traditions into their modern day wedding as a way pay tribute

or try to reconnect with their Irish heritage.

IRISH LACE

Irish lace began in the 1800's many families in Ireland lived in

small thatched cottages on land called crofts producing crops for the

Lord of the Manor. Crofters were "dirt poor" with little money for necessities.

Then the potato blight hit between 1845 and 1851 destroying the crops and causing

thousands of families to starve. The Ursuline nuns were familiar with Venetian lace,

brought over from France. The nuns used their skills in crocheting lace to help save the

people from the famine. They began schooling women to produce the fine crochet that

has come to be known as "Irish lace." The more affluent Irish families that could meet

the expense to buy the lace earned the name of "lace curtain Irish." Families had their

own designs and motifs and closely guarded their patterns which were passed from

mother to daughter. The particulars were kept so secret that many of them

vanished as the families either died or fled the poverty for other lands.

MAKE UP BELL

It is a tradition in Ireland to present a couple with a

"make-up" bell for their wedding or anniversary, even

engagement. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil

spirits away and to restore harmony if a couple is

fighting. The sound of the bell, much like a church bell is

to remind a couple of their wedding vows. This bell is

also rung when one partner is ready to "make up" and

end any little quarrel. Each partner should take turns

ringing the bell, lest a quarrel begin again.

TYING THE KNOT

Did you know the phrase “Tying the Knot” originated with the

ancient Celtic ceremony of hand fasting? This old Celtic tradition

symbolizes the joining of two as one similar to the exchanging of

rings today. The couple clasps their hands together and a brightly

colored cord in the bridal party colors is wrapped around their

hands as a symbol of their unity in marriage.

LUCKY IRISH HORSESHOE

Irish brides used to carry a real horseshoe turned up

for good luck. During the wedding ceremony Then after

the wedding the groom would hang the horseshoe in

their home, turned up preserving the luck of the home.

Every Irish house needs this charming Irish horseshoe

plaque to welcome all who enter their home.

THE CLADDAGH RING

To wear a Claddagh ring on the left hand

with the crown turned inward, towards

you on the left hand indicates marriage.

IRISH WEDDING VOW

We swear by peace and love to stand,

Heart to heart and hand to hand.

Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now,

Confirming this our Sacred Vow.

THE BRIDES BOUQUET

For good luck to the marriage, a sprig of

shamrocks is tucked into the bouquet. The

lucky Shamrock is also the symbol of Ireland.

IRISH WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS

At a traditional Irish wedding it is considered bad luck for a woman to be the

first one to congratulate the bride and wish her well. For this reason a close

friend or relative of the groom will also take it upon himself to ensure that he is

the first to congratulate the bride.

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