First Communion

For a child raised in a Catholic home there is nothing quite as memorable as the First Holy Communion. It is a special day that in the faith commemorates the child’s first receiving of the body and blood of Christ. For the children themselves it can be a sacred, mystical and even tremendously fun event. Celtic traditions abound when it comes to the first Holy Communion which can help to make this special day even more spectacular.  

If your son, daughter, grandchild, or loved one is going to make their first communion it is important to make the day as special as possible.  This right of passage is something for the entire family to celebrate.  From finding the perfect outfit to locating the right gift at Irish Traditions we have what you need to make their first communion special.

White is the color of purity, chastity, and beauty so it is fitting that the outfits worn by children on their first communion are traditionally white. For a young girl there is a certain delight of wearing a frilly first communion dress, moreover one that is white and very bridal looking. The dress is very important because it is the child’s moment to shine. A little girl radiant in her white first communion dress is definitely a site to behold especially when some of the accessories are added. Take for example the first communion ankle socks which are also white and come with a lace trim that makes them just that much more feminine, or the white first communion Bolero to accent the dress and look a little more “grown up”. Add a gorgeous veil and white gloves to create picture perfect moments.

Boys also take great pride in the way they are dressed when making their first communion.  There are a number of ways to incorporate your son's Celtic heritage. Adding a special first communion tie is always a delightful idea or maybe a small piece of tartan to showcase the child’s Irish roots. Brooches can also be worn as well as carrying a special first communion rosary. Most boys make their first communion in a suit and in some parishes, white is also the preferred color for boys. In Scottish tradition boys typically wear a kilt and other Scottish attire for their First Holy Communion.

Gift giving for first communions is common practice. Popular gifts include things like a first communion set which comes with a Mass book, rosary, scapular, and other accessories like a cross pin. These are mementos which will help memorialize the event for the child every time they use these items. Another very popular, and useful, gift is a First Holy Communion Bible.Traditionally in pocket size, people have been known to pick Bibles with an Irish Shamrock charm to remind them of their heritage and St. Patrick's use of the shamrock to demonstrate the simple (three in one) meaning of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

After the formal ceremonies and the sacred parts of the ritual have been completed it is time for the family to gather, and celebrate their son or daughter coming into the joy of the sacrament.