For many people, Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings hold dual meaning. They not only symbolize abiding love and devotion, but they are also a token of religious devotion as well. Christianity is prevalent in the Celtic culture, and a commitment to God and spouse often go hand in hand in Celtic jewelry themes.
The Celtic Cross is one of the most recognizable designs in Celtic jewelry, particularly in pendants. St. Patrick created this hybrid symbol using the Christian simple cross, combined with round sun (or “halo”) symbolism native to the pre-Christian Druids of the time. St. Patrick believed that this combined emblem would help bridge the religious gap between the two cultures and bring the Druids closer to Celtic Christian beliefs. Today, the Celtic Cross is an eternal reminder of love and sacrifice and is featured prominently in historical documents and on churches.
The Symbol of the Evangelists is a design used on Celtic jewelry as well as manuscripts and in architecture. It features four winged creatures that represent the prophets of the biblical gospels in the New Testament. The creatures include: a Man (St. Matthew), a Lion (St. Mark), a Calf (St. Luke) and an Eagle (St. John). St. Gregory wrote in the 4th Century that these four symbols represented the very stages of Christ’s life: he was born a man, sacrificed as a calf in death, became a lion in his resurrection and ascended to heaven as an eagle. The Symbol of the Evangelists is often displayed near or with the Celtic Cross.
Always in tune with nature, Celtic religious jewelry often features knots and interlace designs that represent many timeless ideals. Knots and interlace are essentially never ending patterns, so they can denote undying love, marital commitment, familial bond, God’s love and many other extraordinary themes. The sacred geometry of interlace patterns is the ultimate symbol of the interconnectedness of all things, the circle of life and the idea of eternal existence. Celtic artisans began using these designs around the beginning of Christian influence somewhere around 450 AD, but evidence of knots, spirals and similar patterns can be found throughout Europe as early as 2,000 BC.
Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd
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Historically, Celtic jewelry carries rich traditions of storytelling, romance and devotion. Celtic rings are just part of the countless options available for both men and women, and Celtic engagement rings are particularly loved the world over. As a matter of fact, Celtic rings of all types are often passed down through family generations as priceless heirlooms. Family is a central part of Celtic culture and since Celtic jewelry symbols are all about love, friendship and loyalty, it makes sense that family members would want to pass these pieces on to future generations.
Claddagh rings are excellent pieces to pass on to children and grandchildren because they have several meanings. They can be given as wedding or engagement rings, but they can also convey friendship and familial bond as well. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, a Claddagh ring expresses the wearer’s romantic availability. A ring passed from a mother to a daughter before she is married would typically be worn as such. Worn with the heart turned inward communicates that you are in a relationship but not married. The ring is then worn on the left hand after getting engaged (heart turned outward) and after marriage (heart turned inward).
Celtic rings that feature spirals are also central to the Celtic tradition. After interlace designs, spirals are the most common motif in Celtic rings. They have been used for centuries by many cultures, and were first incorporated into Celtic metal work around 2,000 BC during the Celtic Iron Age. Thousands of years later, Celtic craftsmen adopted these spirals into jewelry design. Popular styles include La Tene and Ultimate La Tene. Spirals are also used to convey nature themes, such as snails, planets, whirlpools and galaxies. If your family is particularly interested in cosmic symbolism, these pieces of Celtic jewelry may be passed on as heirlooms.
Clockwise spirals, also known as sunwise circles, are traditionally used as Gaelic blessings or good-luck symbols. These are also excellent designs to choose when looking for family pieces, since they can carry the “luck of the Irish” with them for family members during momentous occasions such as weddings, funerals, graduations and births.
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Celtic weddings traditions are rooted in symbolism, religion and nature. While some of the wedding rituals in the Celtic culture cross over into other global traditions, some are also distinctly Celtic. For example, the wearing of kilts by the groom and his party is a uniquely Celtic tradition. The tartan print of customary kilts can be recognized immediately and pays homage to countless of years of native ritual. A tuxedo shirt and jacket can be worn on top, although a simple oxford shirt with a tweed jacket is also acceptable.
For the bride, there are a number of Celtic wedding traditions that can be included before, during and after the ceremony to celebrate cultural heritage. Before the ceremony, the phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a five pence in your shoe” is taken quite literally by many Celtic brides. Another pre-wedding Celtic custom is to tuck a sprig of shamrock in your Irish bridal bouquet or a branch of white heather into a Scottish bouquet for a bit of good luck. Lavender can also be used in both countries. An Irish horseshoe can also be sewn into the wedding gown or tucked into the bouquet for luck.
During the wedding, several rituals can be completed to honor the couple and their union. Casting the “Caim” during a Celtic wedding ceremony involves the couple drawing a circle around themselves as a sign of their commitment to each other and to God. “Hand-fasting” is a similar ritual in which all the wedding guests encircle the couple, binding the bride and groom’s hands with a strip of tartan – the embodiment of the term “tying the knot.”
After the wedding, a Celtic pebble toss honors ancient marriages that always took place at the water’s edge to gain favor with the Celtic gods. Wedding guests are given small stones to cast into the water while making a wish for the couple’s future success. An alternative to this tradition is called the “Irish Grushie.” In this ritual, guests are given a handful of coins to toss as the bride and groom leave the ceremony. This act is thought to bring prosperity and good luck to the couple. View our catalogue of Celtic wedding rings here.
Steven Forsyth
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