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Celtic Jewelry
By Sam and Tami Serio
Morning Light
Jewelry
Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud
tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate
designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful
Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.
Celtic Cross Jewelry
One of the most enduring, and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry
featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created
the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.
For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of
eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo
emanating from Christ.
Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire,
earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four
directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of
human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.
Celtic Knots
The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate
patterns and designs and the debate as to the meaning of those designs.
While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some
significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to
location. Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way
to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping
Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there
is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds,
perhaps to their mystery and appeal.
Claddagh Rings
Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have
originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and
sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh
ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing
love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands
(signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the
giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign." It's
not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic
times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show
that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show
he/she was "spoken for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand
with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in
marriage.
Celtic Then and Now
At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central
Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of
Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire
encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who
were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in
Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England. Despite
their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived and
continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for
centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a
huge resurgence in their homelands and with "ex-pats" around the world, as
people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.
The Authors
of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved
with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially
invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of
information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together
they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their
profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals. |
