Ireland Facts: Irish Words and Meanings Explained Search Ireland
Fun Facts: Lots of modern expressions originated in old Ireland.
Here's an explanation of where some of them came from, and some
modern words that related to very old Gaelic words. Handfasting
is an ancient Celtic custom, once practiced in Ireland and
Scotland, where a bride and groom came together at the start of
their marriage. Their hands (their wrists, actually) were
literally tied together. The term "tying the knot" as a
description of getting married traces to this custom. - Some
historians believe the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
originated in 16th century Ireland and England. It was
supposedly designed to help young Christians remember Church
teachings, at a time when Catholicism was strictly outlawed in
both countries. The "partridge in a pear tree" represents Jesus,
the "two turtle doves" represent the old and new testaments, and
the twelve days are the days between Christmas and the Epiphany.
Some argue, however, that the song