Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day – Irish Blessings and Toasts

While some Irish blessings are hundreds of years old and others are fairly new, they transcend time. Irish blessings and toasts are about being welcoming and warm and often turn a negative situation into a positive one and most times with a little humor thrown in. Here are some of our favorites:

IRISH BLESSINGS:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
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.

With the first light of sun- Bless you.
When the long day is done- Bless you.
In your smiles and your tears- Bless you.
Through each day of your years- Bless you.
May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness.
From this day forward.

IRISH TOASTS:
May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

May your neighbors respect you, Trouble neglect you, The angels protect you, And heaven accept you.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.

May you be in Heaven a full half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.

Photo Credit: http://www.hotelfinder.ae/blog/top_ten_sights_of_ireland.php