This Irish rainbow blessing is a favorite benediction from our forefathers and is often recited or printed for family celebrations and special occasions such as weddings.
May God Give You For Every Storm a Rainbow
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Irish Rainbow Blessing
First let me share the English version of this traditional Irish blessing, and then a little further below you'll find the Gaelic or Irish wording.
I've included a recording of the pronunciation in Irish too for anyone interested in hearing how the original verse sounded when recited by our ancestors.
"May God give you
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
a faithful friend to share,
For every sign, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer."
Irish Rainbow Blessing in the Irish Language or Irish Gaelic
This blessing is a translation from the original Irish version. Here it is in Gaelic, or "in Irish" as we like to say in Ireland.
“Go dtuga Dia daoibh:
Tuar ceatha le gach stoirm
Meangadh gáire le gach deor
Gealltanas le gach buairt
Agus beannachtaí go leor.
Cairde dílse le fadhbanna an tsaoil
A roinnt leat go fial,
Amhrán binn le gach osnaíl
Agus freagra ar gach urnaí."
Irish Blessing in the Irish Language
Sound File for Irish Language Rainbow Blessing
If you would like to listen to the pronunciation of this verse in Irish just check out this sound file.
Sound file for Irish pronunciation of this blessing.
You may also enjoy a lovely collection of Irish Wedding Blessings which includes this special verse, and of course, it is the highlight of my collection of Irish Rainbow Blessings.
Phonetic Pronunciation of this Irish Language Verse
And if you need a little further help to learn how to say this blessing in Irish for an upcoming speech, here's the phonetic spelling ....
“Go dtuga Dia daoibh
guh duh-guh Dee-ah dee-ove
Tuar ceatha le gach stoirm
thoo-rr ka-ha le gock sthir-um
Meangadh gáire le gach deor
mang-ga gaw-rah le gock joe-ir
Gealltanas le gach buairt
guh-yowl-tan-us le gock boo-rt
Agus beannachtaí go leor.
Ah-gus ban-uck-tee guh low-r
Cairde dílse le fadhbanna an tsaoil
Cawr-deh deel-sheh le fy-bin-neh on theel
A roinnt leat go fial,
Ah ry-nt lath guh feel,
Amhrán binn le gach osnaíl
Ow-rawn bin le gock us-neel
Agus freagra ar gach urnaí."
Ag-gus frah-grah err gock ur-nee.
Printable To Save and Share
If you think this blessing would make a nice gift for someone you love, you are more than welcome to print these blessing graphics I created especially for you. Here's a link to find these images. You'll find it through this button link.
These blessings look lovely when printed on rich parchment paper. Plus you could print both the Irish and English versions and mount them side by side.
Once you follow the link you'll be taken to my dropbox file. Check the file you wish to view, then go to the "open" command in the column on the right hand side.
More To Explore
If you're interested in exploring more Irish blessings and ramblings, here are a few links for Irish topics you might enjoy...
The Irish Psyche and Sigmund Freud
Irish Wisdom and Sayings About Horses
The Metal Gate - Ireland's Picture Frame
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my recipes and ramblings about Ireland.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Other recipes you might enjoy...
irishnannie
How wonderful this is, Mairead! Printouts and everything! Nice! I love the audio and the phonetics...so helpful for those of us who would love to hear Irish spoken more.
I'm sure there are many wonderful and wise sayings other those of we, Irish, but I can't help but say
that the old Irish sayings just have a way of telling it like it is. And the "parable-like" efforts to be relevant to something easily inderstood by the listener is really terrific.
I truly believe that the "deep" Irish, no matter what generation they have been brought up in, have access to the ancient threads of humankind...the original and basic way we have been made by God in all truth and humanity. I realize there would be many who would read what I just wrote and say..."what does that mean?" Well, to be honest, what I am trying to say is hard to find words for...kind of like trying to define "thin place." But, I also think there are those who might "sort of" understand what I am trying to say. I think you do.
Thank you so much, as always, Mairead, and God bless you and yours!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishnannie - I sure do understand what you are trying to say. It's hard to put this gift of spiritual connection into words. Thanks for checking out this post.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
For any reader who is unfamiliar with "thin places" here is a link for a piece I wrote about the topic ...
https://www.irishamericanmom.com/irelands-thin-places/
Jeff
Mairéad,
Thanks for sharing that wonderful Irish saying. Would it be alright if I posted either or both of the sayings on Instagram?
Irish American Mom
I would be delighted if you shared these sayings. And feel free to let others know about my blog. I really appreciate all your support, shares and insights into our Irish world.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bob Moore
Thank you for these lovely blessings and especially the Irish language version and soundtrack - a lovely introduction to the language!
Beannacht.
Irish American Mom
Hi Bob - I'm delighted you enjoyed these blessings. My Irish language dialect is from Munster in the southern part of Ireland. It sounds a little different to the Irish spoken in County Donegal. I'm glad this piece introduced the sounds of the Gaelic language to you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Quiana Allegrini
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Irish American Mom
So glad you found this post helpful.
All the best,
Mairéad