Scottish Wedding Traditions - Six of the Best.

Scottish weddings are rich in tradition, drawing from Celtic heritage and folklore. Among the cherished customs are handfasting, drinking from the quaich, and a sixpence in the shoe.

Here's a detailed look at six key Scottish wedding traditions:

Handfasting

An ancient Celtic and mediaeval tradition, handfasting involves binding a couple's hands with a cord, ribbon, or cloth to symbolise their commitment. It is often thought to be the origin of "tie the knot." Nowadays, it is often included in wedding ceremonies as a symbolic act involving family and friends.

Symbolism: Handfasting signifies the couple's everlasting union. Materials: Various cords, ribbons, or fabrics in chosen colours symbolise specific meanings. Modern Usage: It is a popular ritual at weddings, often included as a spiritual or symbolic act. Variations: Couples may invite guests to contribute ribbons, tie knots or use a single cord tied in a specific knot.

Drinking from the Quaich

In a quaich ceremony, the bride and groom share a drink from a shallow, two-handled cup, traditionally crafted from wood, designed for sharing and sometimes referred to as the "cup of friendship". This ritual symbolises love, trust, and unity between the couple and can also represent the joining of families.

Symbolism: The quaich and shared drink symbolise the couple's commitment and their welcoming of new family members. Ceremony: The quaich is filled with a preferred drink (traditionally whisky, though Irn-Bru isn’t unheard of!), and each person holds one handle as they drink together. Modern Practices: The ceremony often occurs after the vows or during the wedding toast, at times involving family or guests.

Oathing Stone

An oathing stone is a symbolic object, typically a stone, used in some wedding ceremonies to represent the exchanged vows. In this Celtic tradition, the couple holds the stone while reciting their vows. Holding the stone solidifies the vows, making them "set in stone".

Celtic Origin: The oathing stone ritual derives from the ancient Celtic tradition of "setting an oath in stone." Symbolism: The stone signifies the permanence and strength of vows. Ceremony: The couple holds the stone while reciting personal promises or legal declarations. Guest Participation: Guests may hold or ‘warm’ the stone and offer blessings or well wishes. Materials: The stone can be a river stone, polished stone, or wood. Personalisation: Couples can engrave the stone with their initials, wedding date, or other meaningful symbols. Post Ceremony: Couples may keep, display, or place the stone in a special location.

Pinning the Tartan

Pinning the tartan involves attaching a rosette or clan badge to the bride or groom's tartan, symbolising acceptance into the other's family. This takes place after the couple is declared married and is often a poignant moment.

Symbolism: The welcoming of one spouse into the other's family. Timing: Typically occurs after the vows. Who Pins: A family member (often a parent) of the accepting family does the pinning. What's Pinned: A rosette or clan badge is attached to the other's tartan. Impact: This moment can be very emotional for both families.

Luckenbooth Brooch

A luckenbooth brooch is a traditional Scottish heart-shaped piece of jewellery that often features two entwined hearts with a crown, symbolising love and loyalty. Historically, it was given as a betrothal or wedding gift.

Origin and Name: The name "luckenbooth" originates from the small, locked booths where jewellers sold their wares on the Royal Mile. Symbolism: The heart design, often featuring intertwined hearts, signifies love and devotion, while the crown symbolises loyalty and protection. Historical Significance: Luckenbooth brooches were given as gifts upon betrothal or marriage, symbolising enduring love. Modern Usage: They remain popular as gifts and symbols of Scottish heritage, representing love and commitment and are traditionally presented by the groom.

A Sixpence in the Shoe:

A sixpence in the bride's shoe signifies wealth and good fortune, blessing the couple's future happiness.

Symbolism: Financial stability for the newlyweds. Placement: Traditionally, the bride's father places the coin in her left shoe before she walks down the aisle. Modern Variations: Although no longer in circulation, many brides use a keepsake sixpence, often attached to the heel of their shoe. Historical Context: This custom may have originated from the practice of gifting a silver coin at weddings.

Handfasting, Drinking from the Quaich, Oathing Stones, Pinning the Tartan, Luckenbooth Brooches, and A Sixpence in the Shoe are memorable and symbolic rituals and traditions often seen at Scottish Weddings. If you are Scottish or your wedding is in Scotland, why not consider incorporating one or more of them into your big day.