Passed down without attributing their original authors and quoted in all different settings from pub crawls to christenings, Irish blessings are recognized as positive affirmations of support and good will. They are appropriate at any number of life celebrations from weddings to funerals to commencement ceremonies.
The Irish blessing (and cursing tradition) is credited the Druids and Filidh; gaining strength with the Celt's deeply held belief in the inherent power of the spoken word.
The Irish Blessings we know today, evolved from the farming culture of early Ireland. These hard-working people with little wealth, found comfort in the concept of the heavenly reward of their God bestowing good fortune and prosperity on the good-hearted. So depending on mutual support, the Irish farming families celebrated honesty and hospitality.
One of the most quoted traditional Irish Blessings is known as "A Blessing from St. Patrick":
Although often attributed to St. Patrick, it is highly unlikely he actually said this ... but that does not distract from the blessing's positive and uplifting message.
When reading through these well-turned phrases, it is not unusual for people to find one or two blessings that seem to hold a special message them. If you find yourself in that position, take a moment to write it/them down. If you do so, legend says that within a fortnight (2 weeks) you will find a use for that blessing to offer much needed comfort and hope to yourself, a family member, or a friend in need.
61 IRISH BLESSINGS
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and the road downhill all the way to your door.
May God give you
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!
May your feet never sweat,
your neighbor give you ne're a treat.
When flowers bloom, I hope you'll not sneeze,
and may you always have someone to squeeze!
I-rish you a very nice place to live,
I-rish God's greatest gifts he'll give.
I-rish you health, and wealth, and more--
I-rish your smilin' face were at my door!
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!
May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing.
The earth has angels all too few.
And heaven is overflowing.
May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
May the sun's rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
May the children's bright smiles warm your heart,
May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.
Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.
Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes...
That's the Irish for You!
May the good saints protect you,
And bless you today.
And may troubles ignore you,
Each step of the way.
May the saint protect ye-
An' sorrow neglect ye,
An' bad luck to the one
That doesn't respect ye
t' all that belong to ye,
An long life t' yer honor-
That's the end of my song t' ye!
These things, I warmly wish for you-
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit of o' sun, a bit o' cheer.
And a guardian angel always near.
Whenever there is happiness
Hope you'll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they'll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially for you to make each day
for you as bright as it can be.
May your troubles be less,
And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.