Celtic Marriage Ceremony

The Celtic marriage ceremony is particularly appealing to those who have a broader concept of the soul which in Ancient times included our relationship to all living things and the concept of the soul being tied to the universal spirit of the Earth. Our modern Christian values have a more limited definition of the soul.

Janet is comfortable with this broader concept and would delight in helping you celebrate your wedding using this Ancient rite.

There were many rituals associated with wedding ceremonies among Celtic peoples. Many customs were specific to local areas of Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. Some of those customs have been passed along and survive to the present day.

The most important aspect of all Celtic weddings was the feast. This included the families of the bride and groom as well as friends and members of the community. Unlike weddings in modern times, which distinguish between the wedding ceremony and the reception, Celts viewed the whole affair as one grand ceremony that joined the spirits of the bride and groom and the community was there to solidify the bond. The Celtic bride was held in great esteem. The term bride is Celtic in origin, coming from Brigid, the exalted goddess and saint of Celtic lore.

The Celtic Marriage Ceremony:

Members of the wedding party gather outdoors. Trees, water and other natural elements provide an uplifting setting for this ceremony. If the ceremony takes place indoors, green branches from an oak tree, branches from an evergreen during winter months, and flowers will provide the proper spirit. The minister or ceremony conductor should wear a white shirt and a green scarf, sash or necktie. An alter should be prepared which contains incense, three candles, a two foot length of silk rope, a chalice or cup and a pitcher filled with wine or ale and an oak branch (two feet in length is sufficient). A member of the wedding party should light the incense before the start of the ceremony.

Janet will combine the Celtic marriage ceremony with the essential elements of a civil ceremony as required by Australian law.

CONTACT
Tele: 07 3343 7823          Fax : 07 3219 2390           Email : janet@ohs.com.au

Copyright 2008, Janet Iwanow, Revised: June 13, 2008
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