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 Today, the Celtic Cross is an eternal reminder of love and sacrifice and is featured prominently in historical documents and on churches.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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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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When you decide that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, it’s a major commitment. That’s why it’s so important to find the perfect ring for your special lady. For many people, Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings are the perfect options. Choosing just the right piece of Celtic jewelry, though, involves considering your soul mate, what she means to you and how you truly want to say “I love you” with the ideal Celtic wedding ring.
Celtic wedding rings and other Celtic jewelry have been handcrafted for centuries as timeless tokens of true love. They are most often made from sterling silver and can include diamonds or other precious stones as a way of demarcating special meaning between lovers. When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you should begin by thinking about your partner and your relationship.
Traditionally, Celtic wedding rings include a Claddagh symbol of two hands holding a heart topped with a royal crown. This symbol was first crafted in the 17th century to represent love (heart), friendship (hands) and loyalty (crown) between partners. Today, this design is just as significant and is a treasured sign of true dedication.
If you have children together, you may consider a Celtic wedding ring that is made with the gemstones of your children’s’ birth months to include them in the love that you share. Or, you might add an inscription on the inside of the band that holds special meaning to the two of you.
It’s the special touches that make buying the perfect Celtic wedding ring so unique. You may even try designing a ring yourself, with all the elements that mean something to your relationship. If spirituality is important to you, adding a design element to celebrate your relationship with God can also be especially meaningful. A Trinity Knot, also known as a Triquetra, is often used to symbolize the Holy Trinity of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Its simple, yet elegant triangular design is clear evidence of your dedication to each other and to your religious and moral beliefs that are the foundation of your future marriage.
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