Traditions in an Irish Wedding Ceremony
Marriage is a sacred rite. Around the world, many marriage traditions and customs vary from culture to culture. One culture that holds many traditions in its wedding ceremonies is the Irish.
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Handfasting
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The tradition of handfasting began in pre-Christian times. A bride and groom would clasp hands and their wrists would be tied together. This would indicated that they agreed to stay together for a period of time, traditionally a year and a day. At the end of that period, they could either stay together or separate, similar to a "trial run." This tradition is carried on today to observe Irish tradition, though it is not lawfully or religiously binding.
The Claddagh
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An Irish bride very typically will wears a Claddagh ring. This ring, two hands holding a heart with a crown over it, represents love, friendship and loyalty. When you marry, wear the ring on your left finger with the heart facing toward you. This means that you are committed to the heart of someone else.
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A Sixpence In Her Shoe
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If you are the bride, wear a silver sixpence in your left shoe on your wedding day. It is thought to bring wealth to the couple. This will bring financial wealth, as well as a long, happy marriage.
After the Wedding
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Once you are married, leave the ceremony site taking a different path than the bride took to get there. This symbolizes that the bride is on a new path as she starts her married life with her husband.
The Bell
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In Irish tradition, a bride and groom ring a bell after they have sealed their vows. After the wedding, bring this bell home and ring it whenever you have an argument. This will remind you of the happiness and love you shared on your wedding day.
Sunday is Taboo
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In the Irish tradition, Sunday is not an acceptable day to be married, as Sunday is the Lord's day. The celebration that takes place after a wedding is not appropriate, according to the Irish, on a Sunday. Don't wed on a Friday or Saturday, either, as an Irish wedding celebration can last as long as three days, and this would mean that you would be celebrating on a Sunday.
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