Celtic Wedding Traditions

The Celts have their own peculiar wedding traditions. Celtic wedding traditions tend to follow the dictates of the church. The Celts follow a simple and natural ceremony called Handfasting. Handfasting is the act of the prospective bride and groom facing each other and joining right hand to right hand, left to left and being bound by a ceremonial rope. This "tying of the knot" signified the oneness and the unity of the couple. Handfasting ceremonies are organized to bless the union. The resident gods and goddesses of nearby rivers, lakes or holy wells are called upon to further sanctify the union.

The use of veil to cover the bride is also an old tradition. Before she is veiled, the bride is of this world, in her maiden state. But as she is veiled she becomes an otherworldly creature, a goddess in her own right and she takes on the feminine powers to which she is entitled. As she is unveiled by her groom, she returns to this world, but she is changed, as one life falls away and another begins.

The Celtic wedding traditions, although simple but meaningful is the first step to a hopefully happy life.

Travour.com describes and provides information on the wedding traditions of the Celts and around the world.

Here are some Wedding Traditions performed around the world