Well known Irish Sayings and their uses
The Irish look to their elders for wisdom and the knowledge that they have accumulated through their lives. Due to this there are many Irish sayings that have passed down the generations and have even traveled around the world. Here are some of the famous Irish sayings that show the culture and heritage of this fine land. Some may be familiar and some may be more obscure.
This saying is a common blessing that the Irish use as a way to say farewell to friends or acquaintances. It tells the voyager that they would like all good things to happen to them, not only on this journey but always.
May you be poor in misfortune,"Rich in blessings,Slow to make enemies,And quick to make friends,But rich or poor, quick or slow,May you know nothing but happinessFrom this day forward."
This one is a traditional one that is given to travelers throughout the world. It is said in many places as a way to wish a guest or traveler good luck. The first line refers to easing the travels, because if the road rises to meet you, then there will be less labor in walking. The traveler is also wished that the wind will help to push them along to ease their journey. The sun shine can help them to feel more joyful as it shines on the face. A gentle rain is to help the traveler's crops to grow: this would help to bring prosperity to the friend. Then when God holds the friend, they will be protected and loved all the days of their lives.
"May the road rise to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of his hand."
Some shorter sayings that have come from Ireland include the following:
"A postponement till morning – A postponement forever." In other words when a task is delayed it may be cancelled altogether, so it is best not to even postpone it until the morning.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." This is a familiar phrase which is saying that it is better to take what is in possession, then to try for more. When trying for more, the one that is owned may vanish and the person will be without any.
"Constant company wears out its welcome." This is a fun saying to remember when visiting others, even dear friends. A short visit is pleasant but when a visit goes on and on, the parties may become weary of each other and the guests will not be as welcomed as they first were.
"A scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood." This is a reminder that to die for a cause may be a tremendous act, but it may soon be forgotten. If the person writes, either in journals or letters, the feelings or the stand on a subject will remain in people's minds for a long time.
"Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched." This is another phrase that many have heard throughout their lives. It did origninate in Ireland and it reminds the listener to not take anything for granted. Just because there may be a dozen eggs, it does not mean that there will be a dozen chickens. The same thing with plans. Just because a plan sounds like a winner, does not mean that it will work out exactly as planned.
"A loud voice can make even the truth sound foolish." Many people should take this phrase to heart. It is merely saying that just because a person speaks loudly, does not mean that the listeners will take their word as the truth. In fact, if it is spoken loudly, the truth may become lost.
"No matter how tall your grandfather was, you have to do your own growing." This is a reminder that even though our ancestors may have done great deeds throughout their lives, this does not mean that these actions are passed down to the next generation. The next generation needs to find their own path, not follow the path of those before them.
Then for those that would like to say some Irish blessings in the native Gaelic, try these:
A familiar greeting that is found on the doorways of homes and on many craft items is: A hundred thousand welcomes to you! In Gaelic it is “Céad míle fáilte romhat!” (cade meelah foyle-ta row ott).
To wish someone blessings from God, the Irish are known to send someone off with this phrase. The grace of God be with you. In Gaelic it is “Rath Dé ort!” (rah jay urt)
Let’s end with these final blessings as wishes of good health and a quiet, peaceful soul:
"Sláinte chugat. Siochán leat." (Good health to you. Peace be with you.)
