Unusual Wedding Traditions: The Cabbage Custom of Ireland

The celebration of a wedding often brings joy and festivity, but some historical traditions reveal a more bizarre side to these events. In Ireland, accounts from the Irish Schools’ Collection, compiled by schoolchildren in the 1930s, highlight peculiar customs involving the throwing of various items at newlyweds, with the humble cabbage often taking center stage.

In the past, it was common for wedding guests to express their happiness by hurling objects at the newly married couple. Items such as cakes made of oaten bread, turnips, sods of turf, and even old shoes were among the unconventional projectiles used. Notably, cabbage stumps emerged as the most frequently thrown item. An account from Enniscorthy describes how heaps of cabbage were piled at the chapel door, ready to greet the “weddiners” as they exited.

Historical records illustrate the darker side of these traditions. In 1751, the Munster News reported a tragic incident where a farmer, carrying his bride home from a priest’s house in Balyna, Co Kildare, was struck by cabbage stalks, resulting in a fatal skull fracture. Another incident occurred in January 1824, when a bride and groom faced a crowd after their wedding in New Ross. The newlywed bride, who had married an English sailor, was followed by a mob of 500 people that pelted her with cabbage stalks and other items. The local magistrate later learned that this was simply an old tradition in the area.

Cabbage, a staple vegetable in Ireland, holds a place in various superstitions. Many customs revolved around its use to predict the physique and wealth of future spouses. For instance, one tradition involved selecting a cabbage at midnight on Halloween to determine the characteristics of a future partner. The amount of soil on the stalk supposedly indicated future prosperity. This curious method relied on the belief that the shape of the cabbage could reveal important traits, despite its questionable reliability.

In contemporary times, the association with cabbage has shifted from a weapon to a decorative element. Many couples in the United States are now incorporating flowering cabbage and kale into their autumn wedding floral arrangements, adding a rustic touch to their celebrations. This new trend reflects a playful embrace of the cabbage family, moving away from its historically aggressive use.

Cabbage has also made its mark in literature, particularly in the works of renowned Irish author James Joyce, who frequently referenced the vegetable. His writings feature various forms of cabbage, including curly and greasy varieties, indicating its prevalence in Irish culture.

As weddings evolve, the unusual traditions of the past serve as a reminder of how cultural practices can transform. While the practice of throwing cabbage at newlyweds may have faded into history, it highlights the unique ways in which communities have historically celebrated love and union. Today, couples may find joy in the whimsical use of vegetables, prompting questions about what future wedding trends may emerge. Will broccoli or cauliflower become the next wedding centerpiece? Only time will tell.