Celebrating Holy Matrimony and what it means.
SACRED MARRIAGE: Love, Bainis Rí, Celtic Christianity & Holy Matrimony Meaning
Long before the written word made it to Ireland via Christianity in 5AD, ancient social codes were passed down as oral traditions. Told through stories, myths and rituals.
Going back before 1000 BC, relationship was at the heart of Celtic society and religion. And Family was the basis of society.
And the beating heart of the family was the Sacred Marriage, known as Bainis Rí.
Although Roman Christianity sought to get rid of the Celtic culture in Ireland, Scotland and Britain, much of it survived. Especially in literature, folk tales and songs. It’s interesting that some of the oldest oral stories and songs are still remembered in modern Newfoundland. [1]
Symbolic Aspects in Modern Celtic Christianity in Sacred Marriage
Hand-fasting:
Tying the Knot. A literal tying of the couple’s hands with a cord (often intricately plaited), ribbon or woven wool, symbolizing their binding for life and eternity.
Holy Wells:
A bride might be blessed at a holy well, which symbolizes the womb of the earth goddess, seeking fertility and blessings for her own womanhood and union.
Sacred Marriage & Connection to Nature:
The concept is linked to the broader Celtic worldview, where the natural world, people, and the divine are all interconnected.
Crafting the Perfect Christian Sacred Marriage Wedding Vows:
Your wedding day is a momentous occasion where you and your partner stand before God and loved ones. Pledging your lifelong commitment to each other. In the Christian tradition, vows are not just words, they are sacred promises.
Crafting the perfect Christian wedding vows can infuse your ceremony with profound meaning and spirituality. Here are three ideas to help you create vows that reflect your faith and love. Ensuring they resonate with the sanctity of the occasion. [1]
Core Values in Vows
Despite the variations in wording and style, certain core values consistently emerge in wedding vows. All across different cultures and types of ceremonies. These include:
- Lifelong commitment
- Mutual respect
- Unconditional support
- Shared growth and prosperity
- Enduring love and friendship
These values serve as the moral compass for the couple, guiding them through the ebbs and flows of married life. [2]
Back to Celtic Christian Values in Marriage
Returning to Celtic Christian values in a sacred marriage emphasizes
- Sacred partnership
- Deep spiritual connection
- Holistic view of the couple
- a strong connection to Nature rather than a purely institutionalized or transactional approach.
Key aspects of a Sacred Marriage include the Anamchara (Soul-friend) relationship. Anamchara is a commitment to raising children using Christ’s teachings, mutual sacrifice and service.
The Key Aspects of Celtic Christian Sacred Marriage Explained
Holistic Partnership:
Marriage is seen as a sacred, holistic partnership built on profound love, not just physical attraction. It involves a deep, lifelong commitment to each other in all circumstances.
Anamchara (Soul-Friend):
The practice of Anamchara, or “Soul-friendship,” encourages a close, guiding relationship. One where partners act as spiritual mentors and support each other’s journey with Christ.
Conclusion
The return to Celtic Christianity and Sacred Marriage (Bainis Rí) is a truly hopeful sign. There’s a wholehearted return to spiritual values going on. And it’s great!
God keep our land Glorious and Free!
See my new Visionary post…
==>> Go to THE SACRED FOREST: Sacred Groves, Celtic Spirituality & Celtic Christianity
[1] The Celtic goddess Sheela-na-gig, for instance, is known today as ugly gargoyles in Medieval architecture. Often depicted as an old woman displaying her vulva. These stone carvings are predominantly found on Norman churches. But the oldest stories in Newfoundland call her Princess Sheela-na-gig and speak of her enraptured bridegroom.
[2] Michelle Jones – Crafting the Perfect Christian Wedding Vows.
[3] Thomas Morva – The Significance of Wedding Vows in Marital Unity .
References
STONEHENGE: The Dragon Path and the Goddess – The Story of Earth Magic, Mother Goddess Worship and Sacred Marriage by Romy Wyeth
THE SACRED FIRE: Christian Marriage Through the Ages by David Robert Mace & Vera Mace
TAGS: Holy Matrimony meaning, Holy Matrimony vs marriage, Sacred marriage meaning. Sacred marriage book, book by Gary Thomas, handfasting knot, Celtic handfasting knot, Celtic wedding knot Ceremony.
