Old irish wedding traditions

It's interesting:
"Wasn’t the wedding ceremony beautiful? The highlight, of course, was Linda floating magically down the aisle. I’m sure we were all thinking exactly the same thing: “How did HE get HER?”"

Modern wedding rites may abound, but couples looking to draw on their cultural heritage look for classic customs to incorporate into their ceremonies. Those looking for old Irish wedding traditions will not be disappointed with Ireland's rich, traditional wedding customs.

1. Folklore

   • Irish folklore says marry in May, rue (regret) the day, but marrying in April brings joy for maiden and man. November is also appropriate because the Irish believe that marrying during harvest season brings fruitful lives.

   Omens

   • Traditional Irish signs of bad luck regarding the big day include meeting a funeral procession on the road- or the failure of the man being the first to wish the bride wedded bliss. It is also considered unlucky to break a glass or cup on the day of the wedding.

   Handfasting

   • Handfasting is the old Celtic tradition of binding the couple for a year and a day. At the end of the handfasting period, if the couple wasn't a good match, they would go their separate ways.

   Claddagh

   • The traditional Irish engagement and wedding ring, the Claddagh's design is composed of two hands grasping a crowned heart. The Claddagh represents true love, friendship and lasting loyalty between lovers.

   Horseshoes

   • Carried by Irish brides and given as wedding gifts, the horseshoe symbolizes good luck. The horseshoe must always be turned up so none of the good luck spills out.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding traditions, good luck, irish wedding traditions