Celtic Rings For Men | Unique Celtic Wedding Rings
Many Celtic wedding traditions have been adapted over time. Ancient Celtic weddings were very different to the weddings we see today. These ancient weddings were often held outside, preferably in the forest. The bride would wear a brightly colored dress and a wreath of flowers in her hair. The bride and groom would have their hands bound together with a cord or cloth to symbolize the binding of their hearts and lives while the wedding guests stood in a circle around them, wishing them well. Perhaps the most notable detail of these early celebrations was the fact that every person at the wedding, including the bride and groom, were barefoot.
Later in history, as the Roman Catholic Church grew in influence over the Gaelic countries, weddings were moved indoors and overseen by an official of the church. Though people began wearing shoes to the wedding during this time, they did not forget all of the early traditions. Some of these Celtic wedding traditions have been adapted or changed over the years, but much of the significance remains the same.
Flowers Brides in many cultures carry flowers in their wedding ceremony. Celtic tradition adds a crown of flowers to the bride as well.
Something Old, Something New... There is a traditional saying about the requirements of a lucky Celtic wedding: “Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, Silver sixpence in her shoe.” As part of this tradition, the Something New that is given to the bride to wear on her wedding day should be something that can later be passed down to a daughter or granddaughter as Something Old. Magic Hankies are a newer tradition that makes a perfect Something New gift.
Magic Hankies This is a fairly new addition to the list of Celtic traditions, but it is an endearing one. The Magic Hankie is a handkerchief that is given to the bride to wear at the wedding. Then, with only a few stitches, the hankie becomes a bonnet for the first baby to wear at christening. The stitches are later removed and the hankie is given to the grown child for their wedding ceremony.
Lucky Horseshoes A bride should carry a horseshoe at her wedding, making sure it is pointed up so the luck doesn’t fall out.
Wedding Bells According to legend, the sound of a bell is so pure that it can drive away evil spirits and influences. Give guests bells as favors and instruct them to ring the bells as the couple leaves the church to bless and purify the marriage.
Another endearing Celtic wedding traditions is to give the newlywed couple a bell to hang in their new home. The new couple makes an agreement to respect the bell, and either party may ring it if they feel an argument is becoming too heated. Once the bell is rung, both parties must back off and take some time to calm down.
Irish Pipes An Irish Celtic wedding is blessed by having a traditional piper to welcome the guests, play the bride down the aisle, and bid the guests goodbye.
Kilts A Scottish Celtic wedding would not be complete without kilts. Men of Scottish descent should wear a kilt made from their family plaid. It is also traditional for a groom to pin a swatch of his tartan to the bride during the ceremony.
Did we miss any? If your favorite Celtic wedding tradition didn’t make our list let us know in the comments below.
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