Erin go Bragh

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It probably doesn't surprise you to learn that I've got some Irish blood running through my veins.  People seem to think that the red hair and pale skin is a dead giveaway.  The funny thing is, both of those traits come from my dad's side of the family, and the Irish heritage is actually on my mom's side.  (Don't ask me how genetics work.  Life sciences were never my strong suit.)  We're from the Moran Clan, or the "Clan o' Moran" depending on who you're talking to.

So this St. Patty's Day, in light of my family's heritage, I decided to take a look at a few Irish wedding customs to see there were any we could incorporate into our own wedding day:

The Claddagh ring:  The Claddagh ring is one of the most popular Irish symbols, and many brides and grooms choose to use them for engagement or wedding bands.  The heart symbolizes love, while the hands represent friendship and the crown stands for loyalty and fidelity.  The way that the ring is worn has its own symbolism as well:  If worn on the right hand with the heart facing away from your own heart, it means you are free to love.  If worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward and toward your heart, it means your heart is taken.  And when worn on the left hand with the heart facing inward, it means that you have committed your heart to another person forever.

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Carrying a horseshoe:  Irish brides often incorporate a horseshoe into their wedding day attire for good luck.  The horseshoe is a well-known symbol of good fortune, especially among the Celtic people because of their high regard for horses.  According to tradition, the horseshoe should be worn or carried in the upright position to catch all luck, never turned over lest the luck fall out!
 

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The marriage bell or makeup bell:  There's an old Celtic tradition that says every couple should receive a bell as a wedding gift.  The bell is placed in the newlyweds home and whenever a disagreement takes place, one or the other can ring the bell to declare a truce, thus ending the argument without either one having to admit fault.  I first heard of this tradition last summer at the wedding of a friend of mine, and thought it was the sweetest idea ever.  The bride grew up seeing her parents observing the tradition in their own home, so the sentiment was especially touching.

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Are you incorporating any traditions from your heritage into your wedding?