PRE-UNION INSTRUCTIONS

How to prepare for the "wedding" with an ancient Celtic rite

 

Joining with the Celtic rite is undoubtedly not a very common choice in Italy. This is a very ancient rite and its history dates back to the time of the Druids. It is also known as the "rite of sacred union" and was considered a contract that bound two families or two domains, or friendships, and did not always coincide with feelings. Before celebrating the ritual, the spouses had a period of "coexistence" of nine months, from August 1st to the following May 1st, after which they decided whether to formalize the union or dissolve the couple.

 

Those wishing to celebrate their union at the Triskell, follow these instructions.

 

Seven days before the couple about to have their sacred union goes to a wood or a meadow, it can be in the mountains, in the countryside or by the sea: here they weave together a white rope or ribbon with a red one, just under a meter long, (Goddess and God, Female and Male) representing their union and only with nature as their witness. Mutual promises are made that they will undertake to keep during the year, which the celebrant will have them confirm during the rite. On this occasion, the two spouses will also have to make offerings to nature, to thank for having been their witness in this very important moment for their union. An apple broken in half or some bread and a little water are enough to give to nature and the animals that inhabit it.

On the day of the rite, the couple is each asked to bring a little earth from their native "Land" (a small handful is enough), closed separately in two small squares of fabric tied loosely with a piece of ribbon or string. The two lands of origin will be united during the ritual to symbolize the union of the spouses.

The couple will also have to choose a simple stone, which will be the receptacle of their historical memory. Once washed and purified, the energies and the memory of one's family will be imprinted by them through the touch,  thus handing down the tradition and the stone itself to future generations.

Then, the purification of the couple with the four elements and the confirmation of the promises made a week before will follow. the exchange of rings or other pledge will follow, and then the consecration with mead (or other drink, not necessarily alcoholic, brought by them). Anyone who wants to can bring one or more witnesses with them, who will enter the circle with them. The chosen dress is totally free, and for those who feel inspired by it, the Celtic/fantasy style dress, tunic, flower crown, kilt or other is clearly welcome. It's a day of celebration, so you can dress however you like, in costume or not.

 

Reconfirmation of the union.

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The promise of marriage with the Celtic rite, ideally provides for the reconfirmation or natural dissolution after a year and a day. The couple wishing to confirm their union must bring with them: the stone that was consecrated as an altar of the union the previous year, the red and white handfasting ribbon, the witnesses and a symbolic offering for Mother Earth ( a handful of seeds, cereals or legumes... something that can germinate in the earth and create new life). If there are witnesses, their participation at the beginning of the ritual will be requested. In this case, also equip yourself with a small knife and a few meters of thin string or wool or cotton thread, of any color. The rituals will follow as for the union of the previous year.

 

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The unions, with the ancient Celtic rite, will be celebrated by Bridge of the Trumusio Clan on Saturday 22, Friday 28, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 Juny, while on Sunday 23 Juny, they will be celebrated by Atanvarniee like those in the Friulian language, in honor of the ancient population of the Celts Karni settled in the region. Anyone wishing to participate can do so by booking their ritual at the association or at the Info-point.
 

Final notes.

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I  Celtic weddings will be celebrated only for couples unions. 

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If someone wants to dissolve a union celebrated with the Celtic rite before a year has passed, they can request the "dissolution of marriage" rite, always by reservation.

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​​*Those who are from outside Trieste will have to pay €15 as reimbursement for the materials purchased by the celebrantbank transfer with the following REASON: Donation for reimbursement of material expenses, Celtic Union, on this IBAN:

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IT 25B 054 8402 200C C004 1002 619  payable to: Associazione culturale Uther Pedragon - Banca di Cividale - Trieste.

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NB.: Once the donation has been made, it will be necessary to write an email to info@triskellfestival.it, in which to confirm the payment made, the previously established time, the day and the names of the two people to join.

 

All the others can bring the €15 to the association at the New Age Center in via Nordio 4/C during shop hours (Tuesday to Saturday 10-13 and 15.30-20)