The Irish Claddagh Ring is the engagement ring used in an Ireland wedding, and I personally think that it is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen, even though there is not a single gem in the normal ones. Besides their cuisine this Irish Claddagh Ring is what the Irish are most known for. It originated that a man would give it to his woman as a token of faith and love as he left of to, usually, war. Now they are used as an engagement ring. There are certain people who think that you can tell the woman’s relationship status by the way they wear the ring; when the ring is turned outside towards the top of her hand she was “on the market”, but if it was turned inward toward the palm of the woman meant that she was taken. This is not so. The ring is a symbol that she IS taken and will not be with any other man. The ring is two hands holding a heart, like they were from the same hand and were touching finger tips. At the top of the heart there is a crown. The ring can be more personalized by replacing the hear with is or her birthstone. Personally, I like the simplicity of the Claddagh Ring the way it is and would not want it changed.
When it comes to what month you should get married on, there is a little rhyme.
Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind, and true.
When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know.
Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man.
Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you'll go.
They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see.
Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember.
When December's rain fall fast, marry and true love will last.
There is even a little ditty for the days you should get married on.
Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses and
Saturday no day at all.
You could get married on any day, except Christmas, which is considered Jesus’ day; or during Lent; or on a Sunday, for it is the Sabbath day.
There are a few traditional blessings or toasts that the best man, maid of honor, or the parents of the recently married couple would say. Some examples would be…
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
-or-
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always 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 hollow of His hand
That is the main tradition to an Ireland wedding. It is really simple to have an Ireland wedding, so anyone can do it, even if you are not Irish.