Posts by Caroline McCarthy

Non-Religious Funeral Celebrant I am a Cork Celebrant and work as a non-religious Funeral Celebrant where I perform funerals that are life centred. The question frequently asked is “What is the difference between a religious and a non-religious funeral ceremony”.  My response is as follows: A religious ceremony is one where the ceremony is conducted…

Broom Jumping This is one of the oldest marriage traditions, predating even the handfast cord. Some scholars have traced the broom-jumping tradition to a centuries-old Welsh custom, priodas coes ysgub, or “broom-stick wedding”. The broom as it is used today in marriage ceremonies represents the threshold of the home, and jumping the broom is symbolic…

What are the differences between a Civil Celebrant and a Humanist? The obvious difference is at the end of a ceremony conducted by a Humanist, you will be legally married; however, there are other things to consider before deciding. Using a Civil Celebrant for your wedding gives you the freedom of your imagination when planning your…

Handfast/Handfasting So what exactly is Handfast or Handfasting and what are its origins? In reality the origins are probably lost in time; however, this ancient Celtic custom has been around for many thousands of years. Its origin was that of ‘Striking a bargain by the joining of hands’. The etymology of the word suggests it…