Wedding traditions are there for a reason. They give us a sense of security. Maybe it’s the knowledge that generations before them did it or maybe it gives us a magical unspoken feeling of luck for the road ahead. Either way wedding traditions will always be present somewhere in Irish weddings. But there are a few traditions, besides the staple ones, that can get forgotten or set aside in today’s world.
So here we are to bring back some of the more interesting Irish wedding traditions!
Magic Handkerchief
This tradition signifies fertility. The bride usually incorporates it into her dress, carries it in her bouquet or up her sleeve. After the wedding, the bride would use it to make a christening bonnet for her first-born child.
Saint Patrick’s Day
One that today Irish brides may not want to share their day with and traditionally the luckiest day of the year to get married, Saint Patrick’s Day could once be said to be one of the most popular days of the year to be married in Ireland.
Handfasting
A charming Celtic tradition where a man and woman hold the hands of one another, right hand to right hand, left hand to left, their wrists crossed. A ribbon or string is tied around the wrists creating the infinity symbol. This is one that has largely been forgotten about but has been said to give way to the phrase ‘tying the knot’.
Horseshoe
One that is still sometimes seen at Irish weddings, real horseshoes were carried for good luck. This was quite cumbersome for brides and the tradition was adopted so that brides would carry a porcelain shoe. The horseshoe was also turned up so that the couple’s luck wouldn’t run out.
Wedding Bells
Giving a bell as a gift is another forgotten tradition. The bell chimes were keep away evil spirits and to remind the couple of their wedding vows. A fun alternative to this is giving the bride a gift of a wedding bell charm for a bracelet!
Do you think traditions are ones that people should try and keep in their weddings? Or do you think they have become clichéd and tacky? Let us know in the comments below!
{Image from TheNaturalWeddingCompany)
