Scottish wedding traditions are quite different from those of other countries. They may sound the same if a person looks while standing on another side. Therefore, some traditions may even relate to other nations, but most historical practices differ. Most of the traditions are specific to clans and regions, but there are some universal ones that all the Scots usually observe. This blog post aims to tell readers about wedding rites not specified to any family.
Scottish Wedding Traditions
Scottish weddings are different from other nations in many ways. First, some of their marriage rites stay within their boundaries, such as having a dram and washing their feet. Similarly, they remain stuck to their culture and wear their traditional outfits. That’s why kilts for men are very common there, and spotting males in their events is very common. Here, we are going to talk about these identical traditions. So, let’s start with tying the knot.
Tying the knots Or Handfastening
The term “tying the knots” refers to getting married. Do you know where this idiom came from? Highlanders were the first ones to introduce this tradition to the world. This wedding rite is also known as handfasting.
This point might surprise you because the origin of this Celtic tradition took historians 7000 years to the ancient Highland, according to Brides. However, this practice became common in Scotland somewhere in the 13th century. In this tradition, the right hands of the groom and bride are tied with clan tartan, and some vows are said:
“May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last. May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths. Hold tight to one another through good times and bad and watch as your strength grows. In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another.”
Feet Washing and Right Foot Forward
The following common wedding tradition distinct to Scots is foot washing. Some people imagine foot washing and right foot forward rites to be the same. They must realize these historical conventions occur simultaneously, but they are different.
Feet washing is a common culture, and all Scots observe it without regard to region or clan. It usually occurs before the marriage starts, and the bride is the leading participant. A noble person from the bride’s family washes the bride’s feet at home. It is considered a sign of good luck to her.
On the other hand, the right foot forward occurs when a bride leaves her home for Church or the wedding venue. She is asked to place the right step first out of the house first. Likewise, when entering the Church or ceremony destination, she is asked to enter with the right foot.
Quaich or Having A Dram
Having a dram or the Quaich is one of the most common ceremonies among Scotland’s traditional and modern weddings. Dram is a small pot with handles on both sides, while Quaich is a small whisky drink. Let’s explain a bit!
A Dram does not resemble a simple bowl. It is made with pewter or silver and presented to the bride as a gift engraved with the wedding date. In this act, the bride is given a dram full of whisky. First, she drinks from it, and then it’s the groom’s turn, and he must finish the remaining for a healthy life ahead.
Wearing The Kilts
The most common one among the Scottish wedding traditions today is wearing a kilt. Scots have been proudly wearing kilts at every event and do not limit it to any specific one. When we talk about kilts in Scottish weddings, Scots consider this garment an honor to wear on this day.
Some people who don’t know much about kilts think the bride and groom wear kilts. Kilts are specified for the groom and groomsmen, while the brides wear white wedding dresses. There are two common reasons to wear traditional clothing from men: to pay tribute to their tradition, and the kilt helps people to identify the groomsmen.
Blessings
Scottish wedding blessings are often recited during the event. They can be religious or non-religious, but most have Celtic origins. Scotts traditionally offer blessings to newlyweds and here are some traditional blessings that are still common today:
“A thousand welcomes to you with your marriage kerchief. May you be healthy all your days. May you be blessed with long life and peace, and May you grow old with goodness and riches.” (by Rev. Donald Macleod, minister of Duirinish, Skye, Scotland, circa 1760).
“A toast to the bride and the groom! Firstly, may you two have a happy and fruitful honeymoon. May your life be happy and full of good fortune, and may you remain lovers for life.
May the bride and groom always have good health, as well as all of the guests here with us today. May you be surrounded by peace, joy, and patience. May you find contentment individually and as a couple, and may you be blessed by the Lord forevermore.”
“May you both be blessed with the strength of heaven, The light of the sun and the radiance of the moon, The splendour of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of earth, And the firmness of rock.”
Wedding Scramble
A wedding scramble is a traditional ceremony taking place before the marriage. The bride’s father throws coins, and children in the surrounding area pick them up. It occurs when the bride leaves her home for Church and is going to sit in the car. Doing so is considered a sign of fortune to the next chapter of the bride’s life.
White Heather
A white Heather tradition has been taking place for centuries. White heather is a flower not found quickly. Using it in multiple ways brings good luck to the couple in Scottish folklore. Usually, there are two ways to use white heathers in Scottish weddings. First, they are placed on the table of the bride and groom. Second, the grooms attach them to their jackets.
Conclusion
Different Scottish wedding traditions are common there depending on the clans and regions. The above-mentioned are those that are not restricted to specific people but common nationwide. Tying the knot, having a dram, and white heather are the most ancient among all. Undoubtedly, blessings have been part of their marriage ceremonies, but some blessings and vows have changed with time. Most importantly, mens kilts (groom and groomsmen) are traditional to the events to represent the culture or their identity.