Ten Celtic Wedding Traditions

For extra luck, a lucky shamrock made of lucky horseshoes! Few things in our modern world are as much about tradition as the marriage ceremony. If you want to throw it all the way back to Celtic times, consider these ten Celtic wedding traditions. Some are still familiar today, while others seem from another time entirely. Isn't it romantic? 1. Tying the knot. Celtic couples literally tied the knot as part of their commitment. A beautiful cord was wrapped around their clasped hands as a symbol of their lives joined together forever. Sometimes the best things do have strings attached. 2. Claddagh ring. This sweet symbol has been a part of Irish romance for ages. Worn in certain ways to denote the wearer's relationship status, on the wedding day it is placed on the left hand to face the heart. Sigh...true love. 3. Horseshoes. The Irish consider horses a lucky animal so carrying a horseshoe on such an important day seems logical, if a bit clunky. Modern brides tuck horseshoe charms into a bouquet or bracelet. It's a lucky charm, so to speak. 4. Blue wedding gowns. It was British Queen Victoria who started the white wedding gown rage. Before her time it was a pale blue dress that symbolized purity. Bring back that beautiful color as tradition and make your guests wonder. 5. Irish Grushie. Guests throw coins at the bride and groom in a flurry of well wishes for the future. What's not to love about people throwing money at you? 6. Jumping the broom. This ancient Celtic tradition was thought to solidify the separation between home and the wild. The higher the leap, the stronger the marriage. Plus it just sounds fun. 7. Marriage bell. The couple is presented with a bell to be displayed in their home and used to call a truce in any marital argument. Saved by the bell is not a bad idea. 8. Unity Candle. This tradition has stuck around, and for good reason. The symbolic joining of two families into one flame is powerful. 9. Loving Cup (Quaich). This two-handled cup is shared between the bride and groom and sometimes among members of the two families to symbolize all of the sharing that is to come. Everyone can drink to that. 10. Tartan Plaids and Kilts. We have said it before and we will say it again. You want your groom to look his best on your wedding day and everyone loves a well-dressed man in a kilt.