Aine Minogue

Celtic society was based on a clan system so kinship and consequently marriage had a great deal of significance and importance. Not surprisingly then, a whole series of customs developed around marriage. Many of these practices have survived down to today. As you learn about Celtic marriage customs you’ll notice that there was a great deal of emphasis on securing “good luck” for the newlyweds. This was not because the Celts were especially superstitious, but because life in the 7th Century could be pretty precarious and most people believed that fate would ultimately determine whether a family struggled or thrived. Why not do all you could to make sure that fate was on your side! 

The terms Irish and Celtic are often used interchangeably these days, but it is worth noting that the people we refer to as “the Celts” at one time could be found living all across the European continent. As the Roman Empire expanded however, the Celts became almost exclusively associated with the North Western fringe of Europe, and by about 500 AD, only the peoples of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and parts of Northern France were considered “Celtic” in language and customs. The Celts were known as a warrior people but they were also considered talented artisans (primarily in metalwork like jewelry and weapons) and were known to have very vibrant cultural and mythological traditions. 

Most of the practices outlined here were regional variations of Celtic culture found primarily in what is modern day Scotland and Ireland - the two areas where Celtic traditions seem to have been most resilient.

Excerpt From: Áine Minogue. “A Celtic Wedding: How to add the perfect Irish touches to your wedding.”

 

BACKGROUND

As indeed you will see, many Irish wedding traditions reflect the humble practices of a largely rural farming society.

Celtic society was based on the clan, or extended family, and so even in pre-Christian days, marriage was considered tremendously important in that it had social implications that extended far beyond the couple in question. Social and strategic considerations continued to be important in later periods too because at a time when agriculture was the source of a family’s food and overall wealth, marriage was the central mechanism by which land was exchanged. This is why matchmaking was such serious business. Irish literature is littered with stories of matchmakers plying their trade and the ensuing mayhem! "He loves me, he loves me not." 

But all this is very unromantic you say! Weddings, in fact, bring out the romance in the Irish people. Although contemporary Ireland is a place full of high tech companies and every modern convenience, it wasn’t always so. Prior to the late twentieth century, most people earned their living off the land and so everyday life was sometimes tough and decidedly unromantic. A wedding, however, was a time for people to put down their work, to dress up in their Sunday best and to celebrate something beautiful.

And even today an Irish wedding is often made that much more special by the return of family and friends who have emigrated to faraway lands. A wedding is a gathering of the clan in the very happiest of senses. It is an occasion for poets and musicians to put aside the laments and poignant tunes and instead to use their skill to shine a light on love and all the promise it brings.

The tradition of Matchmaking was common in Ireland up into the 20th century and many localities had their own matchmaker. Very little was left to chance and few couples enjoyed a match based solely on love. Marriages between the landless and well-to-do were very uncommon. Families held tightly to their land and social status and tended to move within their respective economic circles.

As well as lining up potential mates for men and women, the matchmaker assisted in negotiating a "dowry," between the groom and bride's father. A girl brought her dowry with her into the marriage.

Lisdoonvarna in County Clare still hosts a week-long matchmaking festival. Check out Christy Moore's wonderful song entitled "Lisdoonvarna."