Saint Patrick’s Day will be here soon. Saint Patrick can be learned about in “Saint Patrick’s Day: Myths, Facts, & Writing Prompts.” The world of leprechauns is explored in “Leprechaun Facts” as well as in “Leprechaunophobia – the Fear of Leprechauns.” The eleven Irish blessings in this article are for use on March 17 or any other day of the year.
The first blessing is not in italics, but the second one is. It continues on like that throughout the article. Enjoy!
May joy and peace surround you,
contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now
and bless you evermore!
May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you,
Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul
With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming.
May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you,
Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean
Sparkling after in the sunlight.
May the blessing of God’s earth be on you,
And as you walk the roads,
May you always have a kind word
for those you meet.
May the blessing of light be upon you,
Light on the outside,
Light on the inside.
With God’s sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth,
Like a turf fire
that welcomes friends and strangers alike.
May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes,
Like a candle in the window,
Welcoming the weary traveller.
May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May there always be work for your hands to do
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May those who love us, love us;
And for those who don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping!
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 your pockets be heavy and your heart be light.
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more,
and nothing but happiness come through your door.
Writing Exercise:
For a fun writing exercise, pick one or more of the Irish blessings. Decide who wrote it and under what circumstances, funny or serious. How was this Irish blessing first received? Was it looked upon seriously or as something written by someone when they were drunk?
Now write an “Irish blessing” of your own.
Do you know of any other Irish blessings? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
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