Posts Tagged ‘celtic symbols’

Significant Symbols of Celtic Jewelry

Posted on: January 21st, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

Celtic jewelry has been around for thousands of years. Originally crafted to adorn warrior’s shields, armor and clothing adornments, Celtic symbols have significant meaning and plentiful history. It’s no surprise, then, that these symbols found their way onto Celtic rings, bracelets, pendants and other pieces of jewelry. Some of the earliest pieces (200 B.C.) bear the traditional symbols still used widely today: the Claddagh symbol, the Trinity Knot (Triquetra) and the Celtic Cross.

The Claddagh ring is forged as two hands holding a heart that bears a royal crown. Each element of this symbol has significant meaning in Celtic historic and religious beliefs. The two hands symbolize friendship, a bond and cooperation. The heart symbolizes love, mutual adoration and an undying commitment. Lastly, the crown symbolizes a dedication and loyalty unmatched.

The Trinity Knot (Triquetra, or “Three-Cornered” in Latin) can hold different meanings. Most traditionally, the Trinity Knot symbolizes a religious connection to the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It can be found not only in Celtic jewelry, but also in Celtic architecture, on ancient manuscripts and on shields of war from battles past. It can also be used to represent the bond of generations, such as daughter, mother, grandmother or even parents and child. The beauty of Celtic symbols is that they can be employed to signify many different themes and expressions of love.

St. Patrick is credited with creating the original Celtic Cross symbol. It is believed that he combined the traditional Christian cross with sun symbols used by Druids as a way to bridge the two religions to convince them to convert to Christianity. This blend of Christian and pagan symbols was controversial at the time, but has since come to mean much to the Celtic people and traditions.

Celtic wedding rings and engagement rings that bear these and other time-honored symbols are timeless tokens of your everlasting love. Buying a Celtic ring for your loved one is a reflection of your culture as well as your devotion. Many options are available and you can even create your own design from the symbols, stones and metal choice that mean the most to you and your relationship.

Claddagh Wedding Rings and other Celtic Jewelry Symbols

Posted on: October 7th, 2009 by Sine Treanor No Comments

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.

Celtic Spirals
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.

History of Celtic Jewelry

Posted on: April 1st, 2008 by Sine Treanor No Comments

 

The history of Celtic jewelry dates back to at least 200 BC, when early settlers of the region that was to become Ireland forged gorgeous and diverse items from bronze, silver, and gold. The Celts were a warrior culture, but since many of the great Celtic tribes were nomadic (and thus didn’t keep written records of the symbolism of their treasures), it’s often difficult to interpret the representations of the earliest pieces.

 

During the first millennium and into the middle ages, Celtic jewelry designs were influenced by trends coming out of continental Europe, Scotland, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. Even the Hun invaders left cultural marks. The Catholic Church also played a critical role in forging the direction of Celtic jewelry craftsmanship. 

 

One of the intriguing aspects of the history of Celtic jewelry is that key symbols, such as Celtic knots, the Pentacle, and the Claddagh, can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.

 

The Celtic philosophy is rooted in the idea of the interconnectedness of nature. Indeed, animal symbolism abounds in Celtic jewelry. For instance, birds or other winged creatures may be symbolic of death or chaos. Deer or white stags may be symbols of change and/or representatives of deities of the forest, such as Cernunnos and Saba. Myths associated with the simple salmon also play an important role in shaping the aesthetics and design of certain ancient and historic Celtic Jewelry items. The legend of Nudons and the so called Nine Hazels of Wisdom speak to the power of the underworld in Celtic lore.

 

One of the most powerful early Celtic symbols was the dragon – a mythical animal common to the fables of early British inhabitants, Druids, and Welsh progenitors as well. Numerous Irish tales – such as Dwyn Ap Nuad and Taliesin – celebrate the heroism of canines. Some archeologically important early Celtic jewelry and Celtic rings offer reverent symbolic depictions of “man’s best friend.”

 

The National Museum of Ireland often houses key exhibits on the history of Celtic jewelry, but in any season you can usually find a plethora of early incarnations of beloved Celtic symbols, such as the Trinity Knot, St. Bridget’s Cross, and the Tara Brooch.

 

If you’re searching for custom-tailored Celtic jewelry, or you’d like to discover more about the magic and mystery underlying Celtic jewelry traditions, don’t hesitate to contact us here at celtic-weddingrings.com. We’re a Dublin Ireland based fine jeweler with over two decades of experience. We hand tool a diverse array of fine platinum, gold, and silver products – all made to order. Whether you’re searching for a Celtic engagement ring to propose to your beloved by the Blarney Stone or you’re simply curious about the process of traditional Celtic jewelry craftsmanship, we’re happy to answer any questions. Email us here on site or dial toll free (from the US) at 1 800 350-9962.

 

Written by Steven Forsyth of Celtic Rings Ltd.

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