Irish Blessings, Irish Traditions, St. Patricks Day, Travel Ireland

Top 10 Popular Irish Blessings

Throughout its entire existence, Ireland has maintained a strong connection to several religions, despite the fact that this connection has not been without its share of difficulties. Up until a very recent period, the church exerted a significant amount of control over a variety of facets of Irish society.

One of our most well-known cultural festival, Saint Patrick’s Day, is celebrated in remembrance of the individual who, in the fifth century, was responsible for introducing Christianity to the island of Ireland.

In everyday conversation, you’ll probably still overhear individuals saying things like “please God” or “thank God” out of habit. The reaction of shouting “Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph!” in response to a distressing incident is still, for certain people, a somewhat frequent response.

Another notion about the Irish that has endured for a very long time is that we are a friendly country. Despite the fact that Irish people and our views as a culture have changed through time, our country is still widely regarded as being among the most friendly and hospitable nations in the whole world. If you enter the home of an Irish person, you are going to be offered a cup of tea regardless of whether or not you want one.

In addition to this, we have a deep and abiding affection for writing and verbally. Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and W.B. Yeats are only three examples of illustrious Irish authors who have contributed to the literary canon throughout the course of history. This love of words and aptitude for poetry and music, together with our deeply ingrained connections to Christianity and religion, has resulted in something that is truly unique: an infinite tome of Irish blessings.

When are Irish Blessings Said?

Irish blessings are typically said during wedding ceremonies, family reunions, and other similar get-togethers as well as other important events. Because so many blessings have developed throughout the years, there is now an Irish blessing to cover almost every significant event that might occur in a person’s life.

What do Irish Blessings Do?

The majority of Irish blessings revolve around the concept of looking on the bright side of a difficult circumstance or focusing on the good aspects of a pleasant event. Everyone is aware, in today’s modern world, of the necessity of maintaining a good mentality for both our mental and physical health. We are certain that you will concur with us that many of these Irish blessings were already doing this many years before their time.

What exactly does it imply when someone gives you the Irish blessing?

To donate something from your heart, your feelings, and good energy that has been synthesized in a written poem as well as a plea for divine intervention, a prayer, and a link to God is to give an Irish blessing.

Where do the blessings of Ireland have their start?

This benediction was originally a prayer from Ireland and was originally composed in the Irish Gaelic language, which is the native language of Ireland. It had been translated into English, just like so many other books and stories from throughout the globe. The fact that several words were translated incorrectly caused it to lose part of its authenticity; for example, “rise” should have been “succeed.”

Where did the tradition of giving an Irish blessing originate?

The Irish blessing is a folk and druidic ritual that was eventually translated for the new Christian age. It dates back to the ancient days of the Celtic people. A great number of them have been translated into modern English from the ancient Irish, and it has been hypothesized that Saint Patrick was the author of the most famous and influential blessing, despite the fact that this is not entirely accurate.

The following are ten of the most inspiring and lovely Irish blessings that we were able to uncover.

We really hope you get a kick out of these popular Irish blessings !!!

Top 10 Popular Irish Blessings

Irish Wedding Blessings

May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!

May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness.
From this day forward.

By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me.
As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follow me.
As light to the eye,
as bread to the hungry,
as joy to the heart,
may thy presence be with me,
oh one that I love,
’til death comes to part us asunder.

May your joys be as bright as the morning, and your sorrows merely be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.

May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet, enough trials to keep you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to keep you happy, enough failure to keep you humble, enough success to keep you eager, enough friends to give you comfort, enough faith and courage in yourself to banish sadness, enough wealth to meet your needs and one thing more; Enough determination to make each day a more wonderful day than the one before.

Irish Travel Blessings

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May good luck be with you Wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.

May your days be many and your troubles be few, May all God’s blessings descend upon you, May peace be within you, May your heart be strong, May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been
the foresight to know where you’re going
and the insight to know when you’re going too far.

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

The most well-known Irish blessing is reported to have been written on Saint Patrick’s breastplate, where it is believed to have originated from its namesake, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a very lengthy poem, so either Patrick was a giant or it was never put on a breastplate at any point; in reality, the concept that it was inscribed on a breastplate is probably more of a term to represent the fact that these were the principles he kept dear to his heart.

There is no evidence to suggest that Patrick really authored this poem personally; but, it does include his ideas and philosophies. The second-to-last stanza of the poem is the one that is most often cited, however the complete poem is included below for your convenience.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through
God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.

I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

This is still another well-known blessing that is appropriate for any event; in addition, it is considerably simpler to recite than the one that refers to Saint Patrick’s breastplate.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Irish Friendship Blessings

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

May the friendships you make,
Be those which endure,
And all of your grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in Him
To Whom we all pray,
May a song fill your heart,
Every step of the way.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

Irish Blessings for the Home

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore.

Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched.

May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.

Irish Blessings about Ireland

Hills as green as emeralds
Cover the countryside
Lakes as blue as sapphires-
And Ireland’s special pride
And rivers that shine like silver
Make Ireland look so fair-
But the friendliness of her people
Is the richest treasure there.

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you

May the enemies of Ireland never meet a friend.

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.

Good Luck Irish Blessings

May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.

May your home be filled with laughter
May your pockets be filled with gold
And may you have all the happiness
Your Irish heart can hold.

May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

May luck be a friend to ye,
And be with ye in all yer days,
And may trouble be to ye,
A stranger, always

May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load, may the mist of Irish magic shorten every road, may you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ere bestowed, and may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed

Long Life Irish Blessings

May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And heaven is overflowing.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A cold beer and another one!

Irish Blessings for Children

Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play-
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song-
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long!

May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!

May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near you And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.

O Thou, to whom to love and be are one,
Hear my faith cry for them

Who are more thine than mine.
Give each of them what is best for each.
I cannot tell what it is.
But Thou knowest.
I only ask Thou love them and keep them
With the loving and keeping Thou didst
Show to Mary’s Son and Thine.

Next

 The Wedding Ring: Everything You Need to Know

Related Posts

  1. Traditional Irish Wedding Blessings, Wedding Vows and Wedding Toasts
  2. An Irish Blessing and Sayings for Saint Patrick’s Day
  3. Blessings for Mother’s Day in Ireland
  4. Irish Easter Tradition and Blessing
  5. Irish Blessings for Thanksgiving
Celtic Jewelry, Irish Blessings, Irish Jewelry, Irish Wit & Wisdom

The Meanings Behind Some Common Irish Proverbs

The art of storytelling as well as the Irish language has a long and storied history in the country of Ireland. The best example of this is seen in Irish proverbs and their meaning. This is the result of a confluence of events, the first of which is that our one-of-a-kind language, which was in use a very long time before the English language was developed, has demonstrated the significance of preserving one’s customs and culture.

Furthermore, prior to the invention of pen and paper, literacy, and television, the most popular form of entertainment in Ireland was the telling of stories. And last, the Irish people are known for their inherent sociability and friendliness, and they like nothing more than having a nice conversation.

Over the course of our lives, the confluence of all of these factors has resulted in a natural facility with language. Many of the most well-known authors in the history of the globe were of Irish descent; James Joyce and Oscar Wilde are just two particularly outstanding examples. Additionally, the Irish are credited with having coined a whole lexicon’s worth of idioms, Irish sayings, and Irish proverbs. If there is one thing that humans are particularly skilled at, it is the ability to devise the ideal proverb to fit any given circumstance.

Even though they are hundreds of years old, many of them are as relevant as ever today. Others appear to be more archaic and antiquated when contrasted with contemporary culture, and of course, there are those that just don’t make much sense regardless of the period in which they are spoken or the circumstances around them!

Irish Proverb Affirmation Bracelets

The following is a collection of our favorite old Irish proverbs. There’s a saying for every situation! Our Irish Proverb Affirmation Bracelets are inspirational. Live the Celtic life you have created. Live the life you love, and inspire the relationships and friendships that you cherish. Do what you are passionate about and practice what you preach. The life of the Irish is to be enjoyed, not endured. And these truthful short and pithy Irish sayings are the proof. So, follow your Celtic spirit and dreams, be open to new beginnings, and live life the way you love.

Irish Proverbs

  • Two thirds of help is to give courage – Irish Proverb – means words of inspiration can go far.
  • The best horse doesn’t always win the race – Irish Proverb – means a horse with conditions to suit the day will always be the most likely winner.
  • It’s easy to half the potato where there is love – Irish Proverb – means when you are in love you will share everything together.
  • It takes time to build castles – Irish Proverb  – means hard work and planning will reap rewards eventually.
  • No man is wise at all times – Irish Proverb – means everyone makes mistakes
  • Fierceness is often hidden under beauty – Irish Proverb – means don’t let looks deceive you.
  • May hinges of our friendship never go rusty – Irish Proverb – means may your bonds of friendship never break.
  • If God shuts one door he opens another – Irish Proverb – means that if one thing you do fails, you will soon have an opportunity to try to succeed at something else.
  • Idleness is the desire of a fool – Irish Proverb – means knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it persistently.
  • Wisdom exceeds strength – Irish Proverb – means a wise man is strong. A man of knowledge gains in strength.
  • Patience can conquer destiny – Irish Proverb – means good things come to those who wait.
  • If you don’t know the way walk slowly – Irish Proverb – means keep pushing towards your goal, one day, you will achieve it. 
Irish Blessings, Irish Traditions, Irish Wedding Traditions

Traditional Irish Wedding Blessings, Vows and Toasts

Irish wedding blessings vows and toasts for a joyful couple on their special day, the day of their wedding.

Bless the newlyweds with these Irish expressions of well wishes as they embark on their new life together. There is no shortage of sage advice to be found in Ireland, and Irish blessings and proverbs for weddings are no exception. There are some that are hilarious and charming, while others are heartwarming and sweet; yet, they all honestly wish the happy couple love and happiness in their lives together.

Some of these proverbs have been passed over the Atlantic Ocean for a significant number of years and are now cited more frequently in modern America than in modern Ireland. But I hope that these blessings and sayings will keep Irish eyes beaming and laughing during any and all wedding celebrations, regardless of the location of the festivities.

It’s possible that you’re looking for an Irish marriage prayer, an Irish wedding toast, or some ideas to help you write your own particular Irish wedding vows. Or perhaps you are the parent or mother of the future bride, and you are in need of some assistance as you compose a wedding speech that is both uplifting and significant. You might perhaps just want to pay tribute to your Irish background at the ceremony or reception of your wedding.

Regardless matter what you’re looking for, I hope that this collection of traditional Irish proverbs, prayers, blessings, and toasts may be of some use to you as you prepare for the Big Day. And so, without further ado, here is a selection of the Irish wedding blessings that I enjoy the most, some of which are small variants of the same blessing.

Irish Wedding Blessings:

“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow, May the soft winds freshen your spirit

May the sunshine brighten your heart, May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you. And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.”

Irish Wedding Blessing

May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends.

Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!

Irish Wedding Blessing

May the sun shine, all day long, everything go right, and nothing wrong.

May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true!

Irish Wedding Blessing

May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more.

May Irish angels rest their wings, Right beside your door.

Irish Wedding Blessing

May your troubles be less, And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness, Come through your door.

Irish Wedding Blessing

With the first light of sun- Bless you. When the long day is done- Bless you.

In your smiles and your tears- Bless you. Through each day of your years- Bless you.

Irish Wedding Blessing

May you both live as long as you want, And never want as long as you live.

Irish Wedding Blessing

May you enjoy the four greatest blessings: Honest work to occupy you.

Irish Wedding Blessing

A hearty appetite to sustain you. A good woman to love you. And a wink from the God above.

Irish Wedding Words of Encouragement for the Groom

May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands, May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face, May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart, May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.

Irish Wedding Vows

May the blessings of light be upon you, Light without and light within.

And in all your comings and goings, May you ever have a kindly greeting from them you meet along the road.

Irish Wedding Blessing

Be you rich or poor, quick or slow, May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward. And, may the joys of today, Be those of tomorrow.

Irish Blessing

May there be a generation of children On the children of your children.

Irish Wedding Toast

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future, Be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship, And your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, God has touched you in many ways. May his blessings rest upon you and fill all your coming days.

Irish Wedding Blessing

We swear by peace and love to stand, Heart to heart and hand to hand.

Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now, Confirming this our Sacred Vow.

The Druid’s Wedding Prayer

Irish Blessings, Irish Traditions

October – Month of the Rosary

October is Rosary Month. On October 7, Irish Catholics commemorate the Blessed Mother’s Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. October was also the month in which Mary appeared to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, for the final time, encouraging them to “say the rosary every day to obtain global peace.”

What is the Holy Rosary?

The term “rosary” comes from the Latin word “rosarium,” which translates as “rose crown” or “rose garland.” To those who practice the Catholic Faith, the Rosary is a method of prayer that we employ in conjunction with the Rosary’s titular prayer beads. When referring to the prayer, the word Rosary is usually capitalized, whereas when discussing the beads, it is in lower case.

According to pious tradition, Saint Dominic received the idea for the Rosary when the Virgin Mary appeared to him in an apparition in 1214. Our Lady of the Rosary is the title given to this Marian apparition. Alanus de Rupe, a Dominican priest and theologian, promoted the Rosary practice by establishing the “fifteen rosary promises” and establishing several rosary confraternities.

Rosary devotion is one of the most defining characteristics of popular Catholic spirituality. The Rosary inspires Catholics to reflect on the mysteries of Jesus and Mary’s lives. As Catholics, meditation is critical to daily life. Meditation, according to the Catholic Church’s Catechism, “involves thought, imagination, emotion, and desire.” This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to strengthen our faith convictions, prompt our hearts to convert, and fortify our resolve to follow Christ.”

What are Rosary Beads?

Irish Rosary beads come in all shapes, colors, sizes and quality and usually have a Celtic cross and Saint Patrick Medal or Saint Brigid Medal center. Some rosaries are strung with pearl, crystal, wood and even Connemara marble. In its simplest form, the rosary is a tool used to facilitate prayer and meditation. A rosary bead keeps track of the prayers while they are repeated aloud or in the mind. Utilizing the rosary beads to keep count of the number of times you’ve recited a specific prayer enables you to calm your thoughts and focus more effectively on your prayer.

How to Pray the Holy Rosary

The steps to praying the Rosary are:

  1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the “Apostles’ Creed”
  2. Say the “Our Father”
  3. Say three “Hail Marys” for Faith, Hope, and Charity
  4. Say the “Glory Be”
  5. Announce the First Mystery and then say the “Our Father”
  6. Say ten “Hail Marys” while meditating on the Mystery
  7. Say the “Glory Be” (Optional: Say the “O My Jesus” prayer requested by Mary at Fatima)
  8. Announce the Next Mystery; then say the “Our Father” and repeat these steps (6 through 8) as you continue through the remaining Mysteries.
  9. Say the closing prayers: the “Hail Holy Queen” and “Final Prayer”
  10. Make the “Sign of the Cross”

Celtic Holidays, Irish Blessings, Irish Traditions

Irish Blessings for Thanksgiving

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Grace before a meal
May this food restore our strength,
giving new energy to tired limbs,
and new thoughts to weary minds.
May this drink restore our souls,
giving new vision to dry spirits,
and new warmth to cold hearts.
And once nourished and refreshed,
May we give thanks to Him who
gives us all and makes us blest.
Adapted from an old Irish blessing

In This Irish Home
May these walls be filled with laughter,

may it reach from floor to rafter.
May the roof keep out the rain,
may sunshine warm each windowpane.
And may the door be open wide
to let the Good Lord’s love inside.

Blessing before a meal
Beannaigh sinne, a Dhia.
Beannaigh ár mbia agus ár ndeoch.
ós tú a cheannaigh sinn go daor
Agus a shaor sinn ó olc,
Mar a thug tú an chuid seo dúinn
Go dtuga tú dúinn ár gcuid den ghlóir shíoraí.

Bless us, O God.
Bless our food and our drink.
Since you redeemed us so dearly
and delivered us from evil,
as you gave us a share in this food
so may you give us a share in eternal life.

 

 

Irish Blessings, Irish Traditions, Mother's Day

Irish Blessings and Irish Sayings for Mothers Day

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“May you always know… The fragrance of flowers, The feel of the sun on your shoulders and always – the warmth of your child’s love.” An Irish Mother’s Blessing

 

 

“There is but one and only one on earth there is no other. In Heaven a noble work was done when God gave man a Mother.” old Irish Saying
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” ~ Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

“God made a wonderful mother, A mother who never grows old: he made her smile of the sunshine, And he molded her heart of gold; In her eyes He placed bright shining stars, In her cheeks fair roses you see; God made a wonderful mother, And He gave that dear mother to me.” ~ Pat O’Reilly, Excerpt from his poem Wonderful Mother

 

“A Mother is one who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” old Irish saying

“Gods most precious work of art is the warmth and love of a Mothers heart.” old Irish saying

Celtic Holidays, Easter, Irish Blessings

Irish Easter Blessing

 

Enjoy this Irish Easter Blessing!10154545_10154076963260245_734872457008951695_n

May God bless you at Easter, and keep you all year through. May God give you all the faith you need, to make your dreams come true. May His love and wisdom always help, to guide you on your way. May His light shine down upon you now, to bless your Easter Day. -Author Unknown

Beannachtaí Ná Cásca oraibh (May the blessings of Easter be on you)

Happy Easter!

easter peaceful cottage

Celtic Holidays, Irish Blessings

Irish Easter Traditions

Easter is an import religious holiday in Ireland. Ireland has many traditions for celebrating Easter including some of which have derived old Celtic practices having more to do with agricultural calendar. You see Easter falls during spring time coinciding with the Vernal Equinox.  Today Easter preparations begin with the Lenten season and end as many Irish holiday celebrations do with good food, family and lots of chocolate.

Here are some of Ireland’s old Easter traditions:

Irish Easter Preparations:

Let the Spring cleaning begin. Time to clean your house thoroughly inside and out or in Ireland if you had a thatched cottage it would be timeeaster ijc to apply the whitewash.

Like here in the states you would shop for new clothes for Easter or your Sundays best.

Good Friday Irish Traditions and Superstitions:

The Irish say if you die on this Good Friday, you go directly to heaven.

Remain quiet from noon until 3pm.

A child born on Good Friday and baptized on Easter Sunday will have the gift of healing.

All chicken eggs laid on Good Friday are marked with a Celtic cross and are to be eaten on Easter Sunday.

Easter Saturday:

Go to church and have holy water blessed. Drink three sips of holy water for good luck and sprinkle everything, including family members and farm animals for good luck.

Easter Sunday:

Get up at sunrise and do a celebration dance. Gather your family and go to a hilltop to see the sunrise. Catholics believed that this is the Savior rising from his grave.

Give colored eggs as gifts to family and friends.

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a large Irish family feast, traditionally, leek soup and roast lamb.

Celtic Holidays, Irish Blessings

Irish Easter Traditions

Easter is an import religious holiday in Ireland. Ireland has many traditions for celebrating Easter including some which have derived old Celtic practices having more to do with agricultural calendar. You see Easter falls during spring time coinciding with the Vernal Equinox.  Today Easter preparations begin with the Lenten season and end as many Irish holiday celebrations do with good food, family and lots of chocolate.

Here are some of Ireland’s old Easter traditions:

Irish Easter Preparations:

Let the Spring cleaning begin. Time to clean your house thoroughly inside and out or in Ireland if you had a thatched cottage it would be time to apply the whitewash.

Like here in the states you would shop for new clothes for Easter or your Sundays best.

Good Friday Irish Traditions and Superstitions:

The Irish say if you die on this Good Friday, you go directly to heaven.

Remain quiet from noon until 3pm.

A child born on Good Friday and baptized on Easter Sunday will have the gift of healing.

All chicken eggs laid on Good Friday are marked with a Celtic cross and are to be eaten on Easter Sunday.

Easter Saturday:

Go to church and have holy water blessed. Drink three sips of holy water for good luck and sprinkle everything, including family members and farm animals for good luck.

Easter Sunday:

Get up at sunrise and do a celebration dance. Gather your family and go to a hilltop to see the sunrise. Catholics believed that this is the Savior rising from his grave.

Give colored eggs as gifts to family and friends.

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a large Irish family feast, traditionally, leek soup and roast lamb.