The Lucky Horseshoe
A small piece of Irish folklore about luck, protection and why the horseshoe remains such a meaningful wedding gift.
I happen to love the lucky horseshoe. Its prevalence in Irish culture is still quite strong, particularly as a wedding gift. I have shared a little of its meaning below.
How should a horseshoe be hung?
When a horseshoe is hung in the home, it is said that you must hang it with the two ends facing upwards, as it is believed all the good luck and energy will be stored inside.
While some believe that when it is hung with the ends pointed downwards all the good fortune will spill out, others believe it will release good luck onto those who walk beneath.
Old luck and older stories
A worn horseshoe is thought to be luckier, as it may possess a powerful energy imprint from the horses that wore it. Brides of old would sew a horseshoe into their dress. How heavy was that?
Horseshoes were also considered lucky because they were made by blacksmiths, who were held in high esteem because of their trade. Blacksmiths worked with the elements of fire and iron, or earth, which people believed possessed special powers.
I received this horseshoe as a present from my friends at Liffey Forge in Dublin, Ireland.
