43 Irish Blessings for Funerals

When the Irish perform a wake, a window must be immediately opened to allow the spirit to escape and closed no more than two hours later to prevent their return. A group of women normally bathe the body and prepare their clothing. The deceased is normally viewed in the best home of the kitchen rather it be the living room or even kitchen. Additional traditions include the covering of mirrors, ceasing the time on clocks, and placing candles above the head. After the funeral, the Irish like to typically head to the pub. The following collection of Irish blessings for funerals can be shared during the time of the deceased celebration.

Christ be with me, be after me, be before me, and be at my right and left hand. May everything I do be for Christ.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

For each petal on the shamrock. This brings a wish your way good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.

He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all.

Here’s to beefsteak when you’re hungry, Whiskey when you’re dry, All the women you’ll ever want, And heaven when you die.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter. Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes… That’s the Irish for You!

May brooks and trees and singing hills Join in the chorus too, And every gentle wind that blows Send happiness to you.

May God be with you and bless you, May you see your children’s children, May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May God grant you always… A sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.

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.

May good luck be your friend in whatever you do. And may trouble be always a stranger to you.

May joy and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door, And happiness be with you now, And bless you evermore.

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours,

May peace and plenty be the first, To lift the latch to your door. And happiness be guided to your home, By the candle of Christmas.

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do– and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.

May the blessings of light be upon you, Light without and light within. And in all your comings and goings, May you ever have a kindly greeting From them you meet on the road.

May the good saints protect you, And bless you today. And may troubles ignore you, Each step of the way.

May the hand of a friend always be near you, And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

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 joys of today Be those of tomorrow. The goblets of life Hold no dregs of sorrow.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun. And find your shoulder to light on. To bring you luck, happiness and riches. Today, tomorrow and beyond.

May there be a generation of children On the children of your children.

May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

May you always have work for your hands to do.May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain.

May you enjoy the four greatest blessings: Honest work to occupy you. A hearty appetite to sustain you. A good woman to love you. And a wink from the God above.

May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, And the road downhill all the way to your door.

May you live as long as you want, And never want as long as you live.

May you live long, Die happy, And rate a mansion in heaven.

May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go.

May your feet never sweat, your neighbor give you ne’re a treat. When flowers bloom, I hope you’ll not sneeze, and may you always have someone to squeeze!

May your heart be warm and happy With the lilt of Irish laughter Every day in every way And forever and ever after.

May your neighbors respect you, Trouble neglect you, The angels protect you, And heaven accept you.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

May your troubles be less, And your blessing be more. And nothing but happiness, Come through your door.

These things, I warmly wish for you- Someone to love, some work to do, A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer. And a guardian angel always near.

Until we meet again, may God Hold you in the palm of his hand.

Walls for the wind, and a roof for the rain, and drinks beside the fire – laughter to cheer you and those you love near you, and all that your heart may desire!

wherever you may roam. 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!

A traditional Irish wake focused on not only the moment of sadness over the passing of a loved one, but a joyous celebrating as well. The body is initially waked in the home of the decreased for at least one night where family stays and friends can visit to pay their respects. This one last party done at the time of death was popular for centuries until the mid 1900’s. The below infographic outlines the traditional guidelines to have an Irish wake.