by Reading a simple prayer or blessing can be a very emotional moment. This is true no matter if you are witnessing someone saying farewell or you find yourself giving a blessing. The touching words of the “May the road rise up to meet you” blessing can be very powerful as they resonate with you on many levels.
This article will uncover the hidden religious context tucked within this famous blessing. We will look into its meaning and symbolism and see how this short prayer is connected to the Bible.
The Prayer Meaning: “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You”
It is considered one of the most beautiful Irish blessings. It finds its place in prayer and has been used as inspiration for many musical compositions. Individuals of Irish descent passed down this blessing mouth-to-mouth to their descendants.
However, this saying is just the first phrase from the blessing verse. The full blessing reads as follows:
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Origins
The author of the original verse remains unknown. However, there are many different speculations on who the author might be.
The most well-known among these is the one that points to St.Patrick as the original author. Some believe these claims to be false as almost all of the writings in Ireland are accredited to this saint.
This blessing carries a simple yet thoughtful message. It is a manner of farewell used to wish someone luck and good fortune on their path. It is a wonderful example of how you can express best wishes in a meaningful way.
Very little is known about how old this prayer actually is. Originally, this Irish prayer was written in Gaelic. Later when it was translated into English, a few modifications were made to make the blessing more fitting to the English language.
The original version in Irish Gaelic reads as followed:
“Go n-éirí an bóthar leat
Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh
Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna
Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,
Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.”
This blessing is not part of the Christian Bible and cannot be found in the Old or the New Testament. This prayer has been passed down through the generations and is one of the most well-known Irish blessings today. Here is another popular Irish blessing you can check out, ‘May the Wind be With You at Your Back‘.
The Symbolism of the Verse’s Lines
- “May the road rise up to meet you”
Though this verse has become a common blessing in Ireland, many believers find a deeper religious meaning in the natural imagery it holds. Each of the lines is associated with its unique spiritual significance.
In Celtic literature and poetry, nature is often used to depict how God interacts with people. Many believe the first line in this blessing was misinterpreted when translated into English.
In original Gaelic, “Rise” actually translates more accurately into “Succeed”. Meaning, “May you succeed on the road” would be a more precise translation.
However, we believe that when translating this blessing, someone has taken some poetic freedom and adjusted the translation.
- “Wind at your back”
In this line, the reference to the wind can be interpreted as a reference to the Holy Spirit. The element of wind at your back can also be interpreted as a lack of hardship on your journey.
Still, many Christians will agree that a lack of obstacles on your path is unrealistic. As noted in the New Testament:
“So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7)
This verse and many others noted in the Bible teach you that obstacles are to be expected. The verse also points out that obstacles are crucial as they shape you and strengthen your faith.
This is why the majority of believers find other interpretations more accurate. Christians associate the mighty wind with the Holy Spirit that appeared on the day of Pentecost.
- “Sun shine warm upon your face”
The sun warmth mentioned in the second line is thought to allude to God’s mercy. There are many references in the Bible that link the sun with the mercy of God.
One verse from the New Testament speaks more clearly about this connection: “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” (Luke 1:17)
Another verse from the Old Testament also depicts God’s power through the rays of the sun. In Malachi 4:2, you find: “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
From these verses, you may see that God’s love and mercy are with you every day, regardless of where you find yourself in the journey. Simply said, the sun rises every day, despite your success.
- “Rain fall soft upon your fields”
The mention of rain in the third line is also symbolic. Believers interpret rain as a sign of God’s provision. Without rain, the green Irish landscape wouldn’t exist.
The Bible holds many verses that mention rain. In most verses, the rain from the heavens showers the Earth to bring fruitfulness. You can find one such example in the Old Testament:
“Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Leviticus 26:4)
However, through the symbolism of rain, you can find a deeper religious meaning. Though God uses rain to enrich and purify the Earth, you can also interpret rain as a blessing for the soul. The prayer words revealed through Scripture may offer nourishment to your soul just as the rain does to the soil.
- “God hold you in the palm of his hand”
The final line of this blessing represents words of reassurance. Believers interpret this line as a consolation that everything will be alright and there should be no room for worry.
In Scripture, you can find many verses that remind you that God looks upon you and is always by your side.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
This verse is taken from the Old Testament and can be interpreted as a reminder of God’s care and power. This verse, along with many others, such as Romans 8:28, serves as confirmation that faith in God will ensure all is well.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
When to Use This Blessing
The tradition of Irish blessings is thought to date back to pre-Christian times. In ancient Celtic times, bards and poets offered blessings of this nature to all clans across the Irish lands.
The “May the road rise to meet you” blessing has stood the test of time, and even today, it is used both as part of wedding ceremonies and funerals.
There are many variations of this blessing, all adapted for a given occasion. For example, this blessing has been used as inspiration for a choir composition. You can hear a rendition of James E. Moore’s composition, which he named Traditional Irish Blessing.
As part of wedding ceremonies, you can see that the original five lines are accompanied by other words of blessings. A wedding prayer inspired by the “May the road rise up to meet you” blessing may go as follows:
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your home, The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And the light of friendship guide your paths together, And until we meet again,
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 green be the grass you walk on.
May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you.”
This blessing can also be for a funeral. The words “until we meet again”, accompanied by all the touching words involved, can provide solace. This is why this Irish blessing is also sung as a funeral song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Irish prayer for protection?
One of the most popular Irish prayers for protection is St. Patrick’s Breastplate. This prayer may also be found under the name “Lorica” or “Faeth Fiada. The prayer begins as follows:
“I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today”
You can read the complete prayer here.
What is the traditional Scottish blessing?
The Scotts also have a blessing similar to the one of Irish origin. This Celtic prayer begins as:
“May the blessing of light be on you – light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire,
so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it.
And may light shine out of the two eyes of you,
like a candle set in the window of a house,
bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm.”
You can read the full prayer here.
Conclusion
“May the road rise up to meet you” is arguably the most popular traditional Irish blessing. Its origins and author remain unknown, but many prescribe these words to Ireland’s biggest bishop, St. Patrick.
This prayer contains three images of nature; the wind, the sun, and the rain. Besides their literal context, you can also find a religious layer within this blessing.
The sun symbolizes God’s mercy, the wind speaks of the importance of faith, and the rain reminds us of God’s blessings to the land and soul.
Through the years, this prayer has found its way into many religious practices. It is recited both at funerals and weddings and sung across church halls as a choir composition.
