Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. Wedding season is well and truly back and we have the perfect wedding gift from Ireland for the happy couple. Before I share my top Irish wedding gifts, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the old Irish wedding traditions. Of course as ever with the Irish, it’s always about wishing that happy couple the best of luck as they begin their new life together!
Old Irish Wedding Traditions
1. The Lucky Horseshoe
The horseshoe is used as a symbol of luck the world over. Usually, the page boy or flower girl presents the horseshoe to the bride with the horseshoe facing upwards in its U shape to contain the luck. The use of horseshoes goes all the way back to the time of the Greeks. Their association of the horseshoe with the crescent moon was thought to symbolize fertility.
2. Tying the Knot
The ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting involves tying the wrists of the bride and groom together with a piece of rope, twine or cord to represent their everlasting union and how they will remain at each other’s sides for the rest of their lives. Now you know where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from!
3. Blue Wedding Dress
Before white became the most popular choice for wedding dresses, blue was the most customary and traditional color to wear in Ireland. The color blue was the original color to represent purity way before the recent day popularity of virginal white.
4. The Irish Hanky
The Irish hanky was used by the bride on the day of the wedding and was also used as a symbol for good luck. This hanky was then turned in to a bonnet for the firstborn child to wear on the day of their christening. This tradition would continue through the generations.
5. Marrying in May (Never!)
“Marry in the month of May; you will surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you’ll go”
As the poem states “marry in May and rue the day”. The Irish believed that getting married in May was a form of bad luck and it was therefore avoided. Hence the popularity of the June wedding!
6. The Make-Up Bell
We now come to the last of our Irish wedding traditions. It was recommended that every newlywed couple should receive a “Makeup Bell”. The bell could then be used by either spouse to call a truce and end an argument. Bells were also thought to ward off evil spirits. Our stunning Claddagh make up bell (pictured above) is by the inimitable Belleek Pottery and makes a memorable Irish wedding gift.
Lulu’s Top Wedding Gifts
1. Ogham Personalized Wedding Plaque
Send an Irish wedding gift with a unique personal touch with this gorgeous framed wedding print. The first names or surnames of the bride and groom are beautifully hand painted onto handmade paper in stunning Ogham script, Ireland’s oldest form of writing, with the date of their special day underneath the photograph. Handmade in Knockcroghery, County Roscommon.
2. Galway Crystal Longford Decanter & 4 Glasses Set
Wow the happy couple with the gift of Irish crystal. Our 5 star rated customer favorite decanter set is guaranteed to impress and is sure to be treasured for a lifetime. Beautifully crafted on the shores of the Atlantic coast by the renowned Galway Crystal. The cutting is exquisite and it comes beautifully presented on a polished wooden tray.
3. Foxford Cashmere/Merino Herringbone Blanket
Send them a true piece of authentic Ireland from the looms of the renowned Foxford Woolen Mills. The neutral color palette is inspired by the shades and hues of the Irish landscape. A touch of cashmere gives added luxury. Made in County Mayo.
4. Personalized Framed Double Heraldic Print
We have the perfect Irish wedding gift with this double family crest print. Beautifully mounted and framed, it features 2 Irish family crests sitting side by side. An Irish gift to be treasured for generations. Made in Ballina, County Mayo.
5. Celtic Love Cross Plaque
A memorable Irish gift for a special couple on their special day and one that celebrates their Irish roots. Beautifully crafted at Wild Goose Studios in the picturesque town of Kinsale in County Cork, this Celtic love cross plaque is made using traditional casting techniques and is inspired by the iconic imagery of ancient Ireland. A stunning piece of Irish craftsmanship.
So hopefully that gives you some inspiration for those all important Irish wedding gifts.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
1 comment
Liked very helpful thanks