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Irish Wedding Ring Article
The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when
they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common
culture and language.
Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right
across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire
that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various
Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled
from their territories and being pushed back to the western
fringes of the continent.
Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in
Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.
One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the
artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewellery such as celtic wedding rings.
Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based
on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts
believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and
produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced
patterns with no beginning and no end.
Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has
been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly
popular in our modern world.
The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and
is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far
back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a
wedding ring and as a symbol of love.
The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of
love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands
depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to
you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but
if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the
right hand.
Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the
four quarters of the earth and or the four elements - earth wind
and fire. They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or
backed by a circle. Following the introduction of Christianity,
it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching
pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses
are often worn as jewellery such as rings or on chains around
the neck.
Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic
artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of
these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient
manuscripts and religious books.
The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral
generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.
The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies
duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other
cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol. Celtic knot work designs
remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot
patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.
Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost,
many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen
used in the design of jewellery and in particular Celtic Wedding
rings.
About the author:
Written by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in traditional
gold celtic wedding
rings handcrafted in the UK.
Written by: John Lewis