The Luck of the Irish
The saying “luck o’ the Irish” not only extends to everyday life but it’s also a major theme for Irish weddings. Irish wedding traditions are meant to preserve luck and ward off the mischievous fairy folk. From the choosing of the wedding attire, to the food, and the month of the wedding all play a major role in bestowing luck upon the couple. April is the most popular month to get married in Ireland mainly due to the Celtic proverb “Marry in April if you can – joy for maiden and the man”. The Irish have a very extensive list of wedding traditions. My favorites include the bride should wear a penny in her shoe for luck and prosperity, the bride should carry a horseshoe to the church and once married the horseshoe is hung over the couple’s front door to bring good luck to the household and lastly at the reception the couple begins the meal by eating salt and oatmeal. The Irish also have a list of portents and omens that will signify how lucky or unlucky your union will turn-out. Irish traditions can easily be adapted to any nationality.
