Many cultures from the dawn of time have had wedding traditions that are expected to be upheld. Even in today’s fast pace and technology inclined economies, many traditions are still upheld and are considered to be a matter of importance. One of the most upheld traditions today is that of an Irish wedding. Many people would expect that an Irish wedding would consist of some sort of leprechaun because this is what the Irish are most know for, when in all actuality some of their wedding traditions are based around superstition not leprechaun’s. Unlike American tradition where the groom is not to see the bride before the wedding the Irish get together and the soon to be groom and bride cook a goose together, this is called Aitin the gander meaning his goose is cooked. They also believe that if you are married in May you will rue the day but if you’re married in April it will be joy for maiden and man. There are many traditions that make an Irish wedding not only fun, but very memorable. The traditional vows are taken and superstitions are upheld. The Irish exchange rings and these isn’t any old ring they are what is called a Claddagh ring that has two hands holding a green heart between them surrounded by a crown. This ring has many meanings the hands signify the friendship and togetherness, the heart means the love and the crown stands for loyalty. This ring signifies what all marriages should contain and is usually passed down from mother to daughter. In an Irish wedding traditionally they have dancers come in and do the traditional Irish dances to traditional Irish songs. There is actually an Irish song called The Irish Wedding Song. Normally there is a band hired that will play and sing this song as the new groom and bride dance the traditional dance to this. More popular in today’s Irish weddings are the Celtic Women’s Songs. They have one called She Moved Thro’ the Fair and another called A New Journey. These songs are very popular as is The Irish Wedding Song because they all use traditional bag pipes and fiddles. Irish wedding songs were meant for fun and dancing but also to be as romantic as possible to signify the unity of two people becoming more than friends and more than lovers. Many traditions are upheld today as a remembrance and embrace for their own weddings. With the chance they will have all the love of their ancestors to guide them.
Irish Wedding Song
The Irish Wedding
