Posts Tagged ‘celtic culture’

Celtic Wedding Traditions

Posted on: February 23rd, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

Celtic weddings traditions are rooted in symbolism, religion and nature. While some of the wedding rituals in the Celtic culture cross over into other global traditions, some are also distinctly Celtic. For example, the wearing of kilts by the groom and his party is a uniquely Celtic tradition. The tartan print of customary kilts can be recognized immediately and pays homage to countless of years of native ritual. A tuxedo shirt and jacket can be worn on top, although a simple oxford shirt with a tweed jacket is also acceptable.

For the bride, there are a number of Celtic wedding traditions that can be included before, during and after the ceremony to celebrate cultural heritage. Before the ceremony, the phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a five pence in your shoe” is taken quite literally by many Celtic brides. Another pre-wedding Celtic custom is to tuck a sprig of shamrock in your Irish bridal bouquet or a branch of white heather into a Scottish bouquet for a bit of good luck. Lavender can also be used in both countries. An Irish horseshoe can also be sewn into the wedding gown or tucked into the bouquet for luck.

During the wedding, several rituals can be completed to honor the couple and their union. Casting the “Caim” during a Celtic wedding ceremony involves the couple drawing a circle around themselves as a sign of their commitment to each other and to God. “Hand-fasting” is a similar ritual in which all the wedding guests encircle the couple, binding the bride and groom’s hands with a strip of tartan – the embodiment of the term “tying the knot.”

After the wedding, a Celtic pebble toss honors ancient marriages that always took place at the water’s edge to gain favor with the Celtic gods. Wedding guests are given small stones to cast into the water while making a wish for the couple’s future success. An alternative to this tradition is called the “Irish Grushie.” In this ritual, guests are given a handful of coins to toss as the bride and groom leave the ceremony. This act is thought to bring prosperity and good luck to the couple. View our catalogue of Celtic wedding rings here.

Steven Forsyth

The Goddesses of Celtic Myth

Posted on: September 1st, 2009 by Sine Treanor No Comments

The Goddesses of Morrigan
When the modern person thinks about Celtic culture thoughts are very general. We think about Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, Irish instruments and songs and the foods that are associated with the Celtic culture. However, there is a much deeper celebration possible for people who are interested in Celtic history. That celebration is the spiritual celebration of the different Celtic myths that are important to the people of this heritage. In particular, Celtic women may be interested in learning about the goddesses of Celtic mythology.

Celtic mythology is interesting because it is a polytheistic mythology. In other words, the Celtic people believed in not just one God but in many different gods. They also believed in the power of women and therefore had numerous goddesses who were celebrated in their culture. Women today who are interested in Celtic mythology may want to study these goddesses to get a true sense of the feminine power residing within Celtic heritage.

The most well-known and oft-celebrated goddesses of Celtic myth is Morrigan, the goddess of both prophecy and war. She is one of the most interesting mythological characters because she doesn’t take the form of a woman but instead takes multiple forms throughout the different tales surrounding her story. Those forms include that of a crow, eel, cow and wolf. Women who want to celebrate this Goddess may seek to get Celtic jewelry that depicts any of these different animals.

Other popular goddesses in Celtic mythology include Brigid (a goddess associated with poetry and healing), Eriu (the goddess of sovereignty) and Epona (a horse-goddess). Any woman who finds herself seeking a Celtic guide may want to learn more about the different myths associated with these goddesses. This can provide a very powerful basis for pagan spirituality for some women. Sure, it’s nice to wear Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, but it’s even better if there’s a bigger meaning behind wearing them. Learning about Celtic myth can help you to find that meaning.

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