Claddagh Wedding Rings and other Celtic Jewelry Symbols
Celtic jewelry may be beautiful but it’s not intended to simply be pretty. Instead, there is a lot of symbolism to be found in all Celtic jewelry. The most popular type of this jewelry is the Claddagh wedding ring which is filled with symbolism. However, even other types of jewelry that appear simpler do have a meaning hidden with their design.
Claddagh wedding rings are the most well-known form of Celtic jewelry. Many people even know what these rings symbolize. Claddagh wedding rings are designed with two hands holding a heart and topped by a crown. This represents love, friendship and loyalty. These are clearly important things in a marriage so it makes sense that Claddagh wedding rings are rich with these symbols.
Other Celtic jewelry is equally rich in symbols, though. For example, many people are interested in jewelry bearing Celtic knots. Most people are drawn to these because the intricate knots are visually stunning. However, they are also symbolic. Celtic knots represent eternity because their patterns go on and on forever as they intertwine and loop around.
A design that is similar to Celtic knots is Celtic spirals. Spirals tend to represent the ongoing spirals of the mind and of nature. What this means is that the Celtic people recognized a constant need to find harmony within oneself as well as between oneself and the outer world. People who are on this quest may wear Celtic jewelry with spirals in the design to remind them of their mission.
Finally, there is the symbolism of the Celtic cross. People who are truly interested in Celtic culture and spirituality may have strong beliefs about the Celtic gods that are represented in the mythology of the culture. The Celtic cross symbolizes this respect for the gods. People who feel this way will wear Celtic jewelry depicting the cross as a way to keep God close at all times.