The arrival of a new baby is an exciting event.
Well wishes in the form of an Irish Blessing for the baby are a lovely way to mark this special occasion.
This is where you will discover lots of meaningful Irish Blessings that are suitable for newborns.
We will also share a little about the history and significance of Irish Blessings.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Blessings for Babies
- 2 Irish Blessings
- 3 The Meaning behind Irish Blessings for Babies
- 4 Favorite Irish Baby Blessings
- 5 The Irish Blessing or The Irish Prayer
- 6 Irish Newborn Blessing
- 7 Irish Blessing for Son or Daughter
- 8 Irish Prayers for Baby
- 9 How to Use Irish Blessings for Babies
- 10 Other Irish Blessing for All Occasions
Blessings for Babies
Many cultures around the world have their own special customs and traditions when it comes to blessings for babies.
Babies and young children are the key to the future.
Wishing them well as they start their journey through life is a ritual that has been handed down through generations.
This is very true when it comes to Irish culture.
Irish Blessings
Traditional Irish Blessings are short messages used to convey good wishes and positive intentions.
They often take the form of a phrase, poem or sometimes even short prayer.
These blessings possibly originally developed from the long oral tradition of well wishing and storytelling in Ireland.
In fact, the druids in ancient Celtic times were forbidden from physically writing down their wisdom.
This was to prevent the knowledge from falling into the wrong hands.
The belief in Ireland through the centuries is that great power can be connected with words.
Blessings and curses could be used to influence people, luck and the future.
Irish Blessings for weddings are particularly popular.
There is also a high demand for Irish birthday blessings, as well as for special occasions such as Christmas.
The Meaning behind Irish Blessings for Babies
There is a particular meaning and significance behind the use of short Irish blessings for babies.
Love and happiness are very important themes that are common in many Irish Blessings.
This is especially true when it comes to babies.
People want to wish them the best in life. Often the simplest recipe for life is to be happy and to be loved.
Along the journey of life, we all need some guidance and wisdom from time to time.
Some Irish Blessings tend to focus on these aspects in the hope of directing success and prosperity towards the child.
Irish Blessings are also used as a way to protect young children from harm.
In some cases, blessings evoke a religious and spiritual element to help guide and protect the child throughout its life.
Favorite Irish Baby Blessings
When you are looking for the perfect Irish Blessing for a baby girl or an Irish blessing for a baby boy, look no further.
This is where you will find popular Irish Blessings that are ideal for to mark the arrival of the little one.
These can be appropriate regardless of you or the baby’s connection to the Emerald Isle.
The Irish Blessing or The Irish Prayer
Of all the Irish prayers and blessings, the text of this well known blessing is possibly the most popular.
It is suitable for any situation where some is about to embark on a journey or new path in life.
This journey could be a physical one that involves travel, or perhaps a new chapter in life.
In this sense it is very appropriate for a baby at the beginning of their life’s journey.
(It might also be used to wish expectant mothers well, as an Irish Blessing for pregnancy.)
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be 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.
The following text is the translated version of The Irish Blessing. It can be used as an Irish Gaelich blessing for a new baby.
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat,
Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl,
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh,
Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna ,
Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,
Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.
Irish Newborn Blessing
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to cheer you,
faithful friends near you
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
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.
Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play,
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song,
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long.
Irish Blessing for Son or Daughter
May you get all your wishes but one
so you always have something to strive for!
May strong arms hold you
Caring hearts tend you
And may love await you at every step.
May your joys be as bright as the morning,
and your sorrows merely be shadows
that fade in the sunlight of love.
As you slide down the banisters of life,
may the splinters never point the wrong way.
May you live as long as you want,
but never want as long as you live.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that pass away
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow
and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
May you get all your wishes but one
so you always have something to strive for!
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.
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.
Irish Prayers for Baby
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate blessing is particularly old dating back to about the 11th century.
Today, the blessing is most often sung in the form of a hymn.
Many people prefer to use a small section of it in the form of a blessing.
This, as well as the other short blessings, can be adapted as Irish baby prayers to Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise.
Irish Prayers to Saint Patrick
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May the love and protection
Saint Patrick can give
Be yours in abundance
As long as you live.
How to Use Irish Blessings for Babies
While many people want to include Irish Blessing for new babies, they are sometimes unsure of the best way to do so.
Parents, grandparents and friends of the baby sometimes struggle to find innovative ways to be creative with Irish Blessings.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use them.
Irish Baby Blessings for Cards
When a baby is born, the parents and family often receive many cards of congratulations.
These well meaning messages are hopes, wishes and dreams for the future of the child.
A lot of Irish Blessings have been handed down through the generations.
By including one, you will be sharing a little piece of Irish heritage with this new little person.
You could either write this blessing yourself or shop for a card with a blessing design.
What a lovely start to life!
Irish Blessing Baby Gifts
Another way to integrate Irish Blessings into the celebration of the new birth is to give a personalized gift.
It is possible to have an Irish Blessing embroidered on a baby blanket for example.
Other thoughtful Irish gift ideas include engravings on baby jewelry, money boxes or a Celtic cross.
Many families choose to keep these Irish baby blessing gifts safe and give to their children when they have grown up.
Bonus Idea: Parents could also send an Irish thank you blessing in return for any baby gifts received!
If you want to say “Thank You” in Irish to one person, use the phrase:
Go raibh maith agat
When thanking several people, you need to use the plural, which is:
Go raibh maith agaibh
Nursery Decor with Irish Blessings
Decorating a nursery can be fun and many parents go to great lengths to do so.
While it is safe to say that babies certainly won’t mind about the decor all that much, the parents certainly do!
One creative way to add some authentic decorations would be to include a wall hanging of an Irish Blessing.
It is also possible to get Irish Blessing wall decals.
If you would like some Celtic inspiration, then take a look at the Celtic Symbols post.
Alternatively, there are also many Celtic Knots that can help add some Irish flair to a baby Irish themed bedroom.
Irish Baby Blessings Special Occasions
Many families have special celebrations to welcome their new arrival.
Baptisms, for example, are just one type of baby celebration that are popular in Ireland.
At these family events, Irish Blessings for the future of the baby can be shared on a card or as part of a gift.
Irish Blessings can be shared again when the child is older and takes part in their First Communion ceremony, for example.
Irish Blessings as Family Traditions
Some Irish Blessings focus on protection and comfort.
Perhaps the child will have a favorite Irish Blessing that they can say as a little mantra for themselves.
This might be part of a daily route, such as before bedtime, or when they need a little comfort.
Other Irish Blessing for All Occasions
Irish Blessings are so diverse in their meaning and applicable in many circumstances.
The simple words can be priceless for many people and leave a long lasting impression.
If you are looking for some more Irish Blessing ideas, take a look at our Short Irish Blessings.
There you will find a broad overview of lots of different blessings on the themes of love, friendship, endurance and humor.
(We also have some more specific ones, such as Irish Blessings for New Homes in case you are interested.)
Share one with someone you care about.
You never know, you might just brighten up their day!