Celtic Wedding

    While we know that we have been united many times in the past, and will be again in the future... this ceremony united us in ways that modern legal ways could not.  T'was not just the presence of friends (though they were/are a portion of the tie that binds us together)... but being able to revert to our ancestry... the old Celtic ways and traditions that are so near and dear to our hearts!  (Mouse even got married in her bare feet, to signify that she came to me with nothing, and that we would walk the earth together in simplicity).

    I wore my Clan tartan (I know, that the idea of Clan tartans came later, but hey... it was my wedding... <grin>), Clan MacLachlan, and she wore the traditional Celtic wedding dress done in Royal Stewart tartan.  This was considered a "government" tartan, and permissible for her to wear.  She was escorted to the Hearth Stone by her "Clansmen", Oscar Caine, Charley Chapman, Robert van Trump, and Robert "The Bear".  Her Matron of Honor was Midge VanTrump.  "Frenchie" was her piper, and did a great job with the the pipes, as always.  (If you see this Frenchie... we are in your debt for being there... Thanks, my friend!!)

    I was escorted to the Stone by my "Clansmen", Jimbo Carter, "Pyro" Krol, Boomer, "Father" Murphy, "Yank", and most importantly, my "Best Man", Chuck Coomer.  Neil, of Druid Oak, was my piper.  A special thanks to Neil for his piping.  I found out at the last minute that the Groom also needed a piper, and he graciously came to my aid. Between Frenchie and Neil, the pipes were played to a fare-thee-well.

    The Clans were summoned, and Rick Haven, Clan Chief for Clan Wolf of the United States, did the arbitration.  Please don't ask me to list who all was there, because I can't... <grin>  But suffice to say, the "Clans" were well represented with over 150 of our friends there.  My daughter, Melissa, even took a day from college and work and came to be with us for the ceremony (Thanks, BooBear... <kiss>)

    The Bride is escorted to her husband by selected of her Clansmen.  The Brides father would select the largest, most trustworthy and the best warriors of Clansmen for this duty.  For theirs was the responsibility to protect her from harm, with their life if necessary.  Assassination by those not wishing the marriage to take place was not uncommon.  Most marriages were arranged, and were to strengthen Clan ties.  As always, there were those not in favor of the marriage, and the interest of the Clan, and the honor of the Brides father, must prevail at all costs.

    As the ceremony progressed, Rick explained to the gathered friends the significance of each part of the ceremony.  First, the Bride comes to her future husband barefoot, as a symbol of coming to the marriage with nothing, in touch with Mother Earth, and signifying that she is willing to walk the earth with
her husband, together, for the rest of their lives.

    Second, each Clan inspected the "gift of Silver" given to the Bride and the Groom by each other, symbolizing the dowry offered by the Brides father, and the Bride price offered by the Groom.  If each Clan accepted the gift, then swords were sheathed, and the wedding went on from there.

    Third, oats were spread on the Hearth Stone, and the Bride would swept the Hearth Stone clean, signifying her willingness to keep a home for her husband.

    Forth, comes the final opportunity for the Bride to back out of the contract of marriage.  The Groom places a Skeen Dhu between his teeth and circles his bride (clockwise to represent the rising and setting of the sun).  At the end of the third circle, he stands in front of his Bride, and she takes the dagger from his mouth.  It is at this point that she has the the last chance to cancel the contract.  Once she takes the dagger, she has the option of either plunging it into his heart, or reversing the hilt, and handing it back to him. (I am happy to say that Victoria chose the latter... <grin>)  However, were she to kill her husband to be, her life was forfeit immediately by her guards to forestall a Clan war.

    Fifth, Rick then wrapped a plaid of my Clan tartan around us, and we recited the wedding vows that William Wallace recited to his wife when they married.  At this point, we were considered husband and wife under the old Celtic law.

    The guards from both Clans then formed an arch of swords, and we went to the reception at the commons.  As said earlier, the picutres are available, and more will be posted by next week.  We have been getting pictures mailed to us from all over the country (keep sending them), and we put new ones up as they arrive.