Pósadh Trialach - Early Ireland and Trial Marriages
The current season of Lughnasadh (Lugh’s assembly) is well documented in modern conversation, being the time of harvest as well as the Irish word for the month of August (Lúnasa). We are also in the midst of historic Olympic Games that had been postponed for a year. It is quite fitting, therefore, to remember that the ancient Irish had their own competition and celebrations at this time of year (pre-dating the Olympics by roughly a millenium, according to lore), and that one of the most common activities there was finding out if your partner was truly the one for you.
The Tailteann Games were named after the goddess Tailtiú, mother of sun god Lugh and part of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Games took place in Teltown (also named so in her honour) in Co. Meath and they lasted for two weeks in July, ending in time to begin the celebration of Lughnasadh.
The preserved texts of Brehon Law make reference to ‘Tailten marriages’, which were handfasting marriages that lasted for a year and a day. The process wasn’t much different to modern day TV subscriptions, as this was practically a trial period for a husband and wife that could be either renewed or annulled when the next Games took place.
This trial had many benefits from a social standpoint: status was important at the time, and separating at the end of a trial period would maintain the good standing of both people in the eyes of the community. This also ensured equal division of property and/or land where necessary, which would come as a great relief for all involved, but more so for the husband. Under Brehon Law, the wife could more easily obtain a divorce on grounds such as infidelity or the husband ‘not pulling his weight’ as a provider. As long as she could prove her worth as a housewife and earner for the family, she would retain her land and property and claim as much of his own property as her status would allow.
The ‘Tailten marriages’ were a staple of the Games from their inception, and remained legal in Ireland until the 13th century. That the custom lasted that long is impressive, given that the Games were said to have significantly lost their lustre by the 12th century, and particularly by the arrival of the Normans and their diluting of Irish customs. The GAA attempted a revival of the sporting aspect of the Games in the 1920s, but it was never made to last. It’s arguable that, in order to maintain a revival, it would have to incorporate all or as many original elements as possible.
It begs the question - are these marriages due for a revival? We are in an age where secular and mixed-faith weddings are increasing in popularity. We have also voted to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming more diverse and inclusive. Does a trial period really sound so far-fetched, or does this ancient custom come across as a modern concept that would fit neatly into our way of living?
