July 31, 2002
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
Cover Story
By Moryt Milo A group of Willow Glen High School students learned firsthand about a traditional Celtic wedding on a sunny Saturday afternoon when their teacher, Diane Sager, participated in a handfasting ritual with her groom, Russell Swallow, under the gazebo at The King's Head Pub and Restaurant in Campbell. With tartan cloth—the Scottish wool used to make kilts, sashes and waistcoats—the couple's hands were tied together in a symbolic gesture of their commitment to each other. "In the old days it was difficult to find a minister in the Highlands, so couples pledged their reliance on each other by tying a cord around their hands," explained the elated bridegroom before his marriage ceremony. In some versions of the handfasting ritual, the bride and groom's hands are untied when the ceremony ends, but Swallow and Sager chose to remain tied until sunset. Handfasting is an old pagan ritual that predates Christianity, and Swallow and Sager wanted to honor their Celtic heritage by incorporating it into their wedding. It was a second marriage for both of them, and they wanted a ceremony to suit their particular beliefs. "There are specific difficulties in the vow 'love each other until death do us part,' which is part of a Christian ceremony," Sager said. "Obviously, you can't promise that. But we can say, 'For as long as love lasts we will be together.' " Sager, who's taught special education at Willow Glen High School for five years, invited four students to the wedding. Willow Glen High School senior Kristie Dykes, who dressed in a traditional Renaissance outfit to honor the theme of her teacher's wedding, said, "She is a very good friend." And Willow Glen High School senior Andrea Chelgren, who also wore a Renaissance dress, added, "She is like our second mother."
In keeping with the Highlands spirit, Willow Glen High School graduate Paul Yarbrough attended the wedding in Celtic attire—a red and black tartan kilt and sash. He wasn't alone. Many of the men attending the ceremony were dressed in kilts, with a sporran—a small pouch made of fur, leather or cloth for carrying personal belongings—attached. The swordsmen also carried various weapons attached to their sides and in their boots. Swallow, who had never worn a kilt before the wedding, surprised Sager with a custom-made kilt that represented sept Cooper—a branch of the McDuff clan. Wedding guests said they thought the wedding was beautiful. The ancient traditions in the ceremony included putting a penny in the bride's shoe and giving the groom a shilling—to ensure that the couple will never be poor, and a wreath of willow, birch, lavender, rosemary and heather as a symbol of leaving an old life for a new one. "The wood represents passage into a new beginning," explained Juli-Mary Beatte, who made the wedding wreath. "Lavender is a traditional perfume; rosemary is a staple of life found throughout Scotland, and heather is a local plant found throughout the Highlands." Many Celtic wedding traditions have already become American ones, according to Swallow and Sager. As examples they noted the sharing of the wedding cake, the bride carrying a floral bouquet, and the groom carrying the bride over the threshold of their new home. Even the expression "tying the knot" may have its origins in the Celtic handfasting ritual. "Old Celtic ceremonies are wonderfully traditional," said wedding guest Cindy Philippi. "You will see many similarities in weddings between people of different religious backgrounds." Michael Garrett, the minister who performed the ceremony and also manages the bar at the popular Campbell pub, said, "We came early in the morning with brooms and swept the area where Diane and Russell were getting married to purify it. We swept away the old life, getting it ready for a new beginning." During the ceremony, Garrett placed a jellybean in the mouth of the bride and groom to represent the 'sweetness of their love.' The event was an emotional experience both for those familiar with Celtic wedding ceremonies and those witnessing a traditional handfasting for the first time. Many guests were misty-eyed during the ceremony. For Garrett and the bagpiper, Ryan Parker, the handfasting was a first, and they said they enjoyed the experience. Best man Ian Meikle said, "It was a privilege to be part of it." He and Swallow became good friends after meeting and spending time at the pub. He recited a poem during the wedding and had the dubious honor of holding the Claymore—a traditional Highlands battling sword—which is more than 41/2 feet long. During a Celtic wedding, the sword is placed at the couple's feet and the pair jumps over it before walking down the aisle. The ritual symbolizes a leap into a new life. To honor the couple's new beginning, 10 swordsmen dressed in kilts—representing the colors of their clans—raised their swords to form an archway down the aisle. With the bagpiper playing, Swallow and Sager exited the ceremony, hands tied and locked in unity. Although the wedding was complex in detail and took a year to plan, Swallow and Sager were excited about marrying in a ceremony that honored their heritage. The couple has five children from previous marriages. Sager has two children, Amir and Samera Poorhomami, and Swallow has three children, Craig, Ryan and Keira Swallow. The couple is excited about the prospect of raising a blended family.
Their relationship began two years ago when Sager began attending the Campbell Highland Games and became involved in the Celtic Clan Games. "I'm from the clan McDonald and I found out that every Thursday night the clans came out and met at the King's Head," she said. "I was at a point in my life where I was trying to meet new people, and my second time at the pub I met Russell." It was the pub's co-owner, Sam Summerscales, who introduced them, while they sat at the bar. "I have introduced so many people to each other here," Summerscales said. "People come here for weddings, funerals, wakes—for every social occasion imaginable. It's a community center, not just a place to drink and eat." But starting new relationships after ending old ones can also be intimidating. Wedding guest Michelle Balladarez said, "Ms. Sager talked to us about meeting Russell and we were part of her support system. We were so happy for her." The traditional Celtic wedding echoed with rituals of an ancient past and opportunities for a new future. Philippi said that the pub was a fitting place for the wedding because the local pubs in Scotland and Ireland are considered the lifeblood of the community. And so, like the homeland of the city's founding father, Benjamin Campbell, the city of Campbell also has a spot where individuals of Scottish and Irish descent can find a strong sense of history and tradition, Philippi said. For Swallow and Sager, it's a place were love and respect have grown steadily during the past two years and where it was officially brought together on one special July day when the bride and groom said, "Two became one." |
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