What are Blessings?
Often, for holidays, I send sweet little cards with Irish blessings. The Irish people have thought a lot about all the things you want to always have – big things, such as a clear conscience, and little things – like a clean shirt on your back. Blessings are like little prayers. They bring positivity, they summon good luck, and speak only of kindness. They are positive things that bloom in our hearts, which is why they mark our celebrations.
Some History
Long before Christianity, ancient Celts of Ireland believed that everything was alive and sacred – trees, woods, rivers, wind, animals, and people. To bless a thing was to speak harmony into its world, give some light to it – goodwill, protection, and sacred energy. Irish saints – like Saint Brigid or Saint Patrick prayed for protection for travelers, farmers, sailors, and relatives. Which is why Irish blessings sound so poetic – they are half-prayer, half-poem. They help us notice the sacred in the ordinary. They are a way to share light.
How do they sound?
Let’s delve into the lovely things Irish people wish for their loved ones:
- Love and laughter to light your days and fill your home
- Sunrises that bring you hope
- Sunsets that bring you peace
- Sunshine that brightens your heart
- Comfort in the love of family and friends
- Rain that washes away your worries and falls soft upon your fields
- Raindrops that fall lightly on your brow
- Soft winds that freshen your spirit
- A cozy hearth, a merry family, and peaceful hearts
- Green grass to walk on, blue skies above you
- Pure joys to surround you, true hearts to love you
- Luck, happiness, and riches today, tomorrow, and beyond
- Few troubles and plenty of blessings
- A sun that shines warmly upon your face
- Warm words on a cold evening
- A full moon on a dark night
- Walls for the wind, roof for the rain
- Good and faithful friends
- Roads of a long delight
- Lips that know a smile, heart that knows a song
- A Guardian Angel that is always near
- Tea beside the fire
- All your heart might desire
- The kindness you spread keeps returning to you
- The best to you and yours
- God holding you in the palm of His hand
Count your Blessings
Here’s to all the good moments in our lives. Especially in the holiday season, our hearts must be filled with love and joy. Count your blessings now and be a blessing for everyone you meet. Take a deep breath and smile! Life is beautiful and bountiful.
Blessings Effect
When I started my journal for 2025, I wrote this prayer on the first page: “May this be the month I rise. May this be the year I bloom.” I think that sweet blessing has had its effect – as 2025 was a dazzling and sparkling year!
