June - the month for weddings! Before Christianity found Ireland, couples who wished to show commitment to each other practised what was known as hand fasting. This ritual was most probably carried over from Pagan times and is the Celtic ceremony of unity. It was usual for couples to celebrate this ceremony around the harvest festival, Lughnasa, which occurs on 1st August. They could choose the length of the union either “‘till death do us part” or to be together in the afterlife or even while their love burned strong and true in which case if they still wished to remain married they would renew these vows the following year. During the ritual the couple hold hands, right hand in right hand, and left hand in left with their wrists crossed. Ribbon or cord is then wrapped around the wrists in a figure eight to represent infinity. This is most probably where the saying “‘tying the knot” originated from. Since the birth of Christianity weddings were held in the home of a Priest or in a Church. Two candles burn separately during the ceremony which are then used to light one taller candle known as the Unity candle this is to signify two becoming one. Before the Bride makes it this far proceedings will start with the proposal: ‘Would you like to be buried with my people?’ ‘Would you like to hang your washing next to mine?’ Not very romantic but every Irish girl would know what was being asked. Friends and family when enquiring about the ‘big’ day would ask: ‘When are you giving us a day out?’ or ‘Should I buy a hat?’ Next comes the all important planning, usually the poor groom ducks and takes cover and leaves all this to the bride and her family as traditionally it is the bride’s father who foots the bill. Although now a lot of the expense is shared. Gone are the days when a marriage depended on the size of the bride’s dowry. Marriages were once based on what the bride could bring to the marriage either cattle or a farm or plot of land. It wasn’t always based on love. It was once known for family to marry family as it was law that only a male heir could inherit and this made sure that land and property stayed within the family name.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:01:34 +0000
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