Category: Celtic & Irish Holidays

Top 5 Traditional Irish Gifts for the Holidays

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Shop the Best Irish Gift Store The Irish Jewelry Company

Ireland is not only the home of St. Patrick, but also a rich and beautiful culture of Celtic symbols and traditions. Discover the best Irish Gifts and Celtic Jewelry online store. Authentic, creative and unique gifts from Ireland. Find the perfect Irish gift for any occasion with our wide range of Irish gifts. Truly unique Luxury Irish Gifts For Any Special Occasion Delivered Fast.

Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to make it memorable with our gorgeous selection of Irish gifts.Whether you are congratulating the happy couple on their big day  or welcoming that precious newborn, we have the finest Irish gifts from Ireland.

Top 5 Traditional Irish Gifts

  1. Irish Jewelry
  2. Irish Wool
  3. Irish Linen
  4. Irish Whiskey
  5. Irish Fragrances

And for that special someone, we have an exclusive collection of beautiful Irish jewelry they’ll adore, including a gorgeous selection of Claddagh rings, authentic Celtic Jewelry, and brilliant Irish pendants. Ordering Irish Gifts at The Irish Jewelry Company‘s online Irish Store is quick, easy, and reliable. So send them a wee piece of Ireland for that special occasion with our authentic Irish gifts.

What is Irish jewelry?

Irish jewelry and Celtic jewelry are unique pieces of jewelry steeped in Irish tradition and heritage. The Irish have a proud tradition of Irish jewelry making. Often Irish jewelry symbols come from unique symbols of Irish and Celtic culture. Symbols like the shamrock, Celtic knot and harp to the wonderful Claddagh ring which has gained fame around the world. At The Irish Jewelry Company we are proud of this Irish heritage. At The Irish Jewelry Company you will find an exclusive designer collection of Irish jewelry and Celtic jewelry like the traditional Celtic knot and claddagh designs, in silver and gold. As jewelry designers we make sure every piece of Irish jewelry is authentic in detail and beautifully crafted.

Irish Wool

The Aran Knit takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are at the mouth of Galway Bayin the Atlantic Sea. The home of fishermen and farmers the Aran Sweater was from a seafaring heritage, passed down from generation to generation, and is an important symbol of Irish family heritage.

Aran Sweater Origins

The origins of the Aran knit are uniquely related to the Irish clans and their identities. The intricate pattern of knots and stitches seen on the aran knit are unique to each familty and were used to identify a clan or town. They can hold vast amounts of information to those who know how to interpret them. Aran knit sweaters were, and still are a reflection of the lives of the talented knitters and their Irish families.

Irish Fragrance

The Hibernia range of Eau de Toilette Perfume was designed to capture the essence of the Celtic Woman.

Each unique fragrance embodies a different aspect of the female Celtic character – passion, charm & spirit. Presented in a beautiful Celtic inspired bottle, containing 50ml of divine bespoke scent, these fragrances are the perfect treat for any Celtic woman & make an extremely desirable gift. They are made in Ireland using the highest quality ingredients.

Irish Linen

Irish Linen is the brand name given to linen produced in Ireland. Irish Linen yarn is defined as yarn which is spun in Ireland from 100% flax fibers. Irish Linen fabric is defined as fabric which is woven in Ireland from 100% linen yarns.

Irish Lace began in the 1800’s many families in Ireland lived in small thatched cottages on land called crofts producing crops for the Lord of the Manor. Crofters were “dirt poor” with little money for necessities. Then the potato blight hit between 1845 and 1851 destroying the crops and causing thousands of families to starve. The Ursuline nuns were familiar with Venetian lace, brought over from France. The nuns used their skills in crocheting lace to help save the people from the famine. They began schooling women to produce the fine crochet that has come to be known as “Irish lace.” The more affluent Irish families that could meet the expense to buy the lace earned the name of “lace curtain Irish.” Families had their own designs and motifs and closely guarded their patterns which were passed from mother to daughter. The particulars were kept so secret that many of them vanished as the families either died or fled the poverty for other lands.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey in Irish is Fuisce or uisce beatha. Irish whiskey is whiskey made in Ireland. The word ‘whiskey’ or whisky comes from the Irish or ‘Gaelic’ uisce beatha, meaning water of life. Irish whiskey or the water of life was once the most popular spirit in the world.

Origin and Meaning of the Celtic Trinity Knot

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Often people are intrigued about the meaning of the Celtic Trinity Knot symbol. The three interlocking pointed lines of the Celtic Trinity Knot have been translated in numerous ways.  But most interpretations relate to love, strength, and dedication in some form. Historically early Celtic Knot designs have had several meanings and vague origins like the meaning of the Trinity Knot. Celtic Knots have gained popularity around the world as tokens of love and family relations and have been regarded for centuries to mark important events occasions and symbolic beliefs.

Trinity Knot Design

Much like the shamrock the Triquetra knot also referred to as the Trinity knot was used by Christians to represent the Holy Trinity. Legend says St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain how the Holy Trinity works. Each petal on the clover represents an entity of God. The top petal is God. The other two petals represent Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Faithful Christians used the three points of the Trinity knot demonstrate the Holy Trinity.  of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Basically, there are three persons, each person is God, each person is distinct, and there is only one God. The Christians used the knot to symbolize the Holy Trinity and added a circle to represent eternal life.

What is the meaning of the Celtic trinity knot?

To the ancient Celts the Celtic Trinity Knot or triquetra is used often to symbolize and honor the Mother, Maiden and Crone of the neo-pagan triple goddess. An example is the Celtic Sisters Knot.  The three points of the knot symbolizes the three life cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. In more recent times, when Christian missionaries arrived it became recognized as a symbol for The Holy Trinity meaning ‘The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit’. In modern times the Trinity knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot. The trinity knot’s interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life, and undying love.

The Meaning of the Trinity Knot

It is said that the Trinity Knot may also be inspired by the Celtic belief in the importance of the Earth, Sea, and Sky. Another meaning points to the Lunar and Solar phases since many of Trinity Knot symbols are depicted Celtic Solar and Lunar symbols. Like our Celtic Moon and Celtic Star collection depicts. Numerous legends like that of St. Patrick indicate the Trinity Knot represents the Christian Holy Trinity when depicted on its own.  The Trinity Knot designs are represented repeatably on many ancient stone Celtic Cross also called the High Cross or Irish Cross monuments standing all over Ireland today. Each wearer of Trinity Knot jewelry will have to determine what its personal meaning is to them since exact meaning of the Trinity Knot varies and there are several significant explanations dating back centuries for this iconic Irish symbol.

Is the Trinity Knot Irish?

Trinity Knot Claddagh Pendant

The Trinity Knot in modern times has become known a is a Celtic Symbol of Love. Known to many and depicted in Celtic jewelry as an Irish Love Knot or a Celtic Love Knot, the Trinity Knot is a beautiful and ancient Celtic symbol. Irish legend says St. Patrick used the Trinity Knot to teach the Holy Trinity to the Celts.  Trinity Knot designs depicted in Celtic jewelry are widely found on ancient stone Celtic Cross also known as the High Cross or Irish Cross monuments standing in Ireland today.

The Origin of the Trinity Knot

Trinity Knots are notable styles of Celtic Knotwork or Celtic knot designs. The Trinity Knot an immediately identifiable Irish Symbol. The exact meaning of this type of Celtic knot has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries. The designs are embossed on large Celtic stone crosses all over Ireland that have with stood the test of time and are depicted in metal work and Celtic jewelry on ancient riches like the Ardagh Chalice part of the Ardagh Hoard on display at National Museum of Archaeology in Ireland in Dublin.

Ardagh Chalice at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin

The Trinity Knot design has withstood the test of time for centuries. The popularity of the Trinity Knot continues to grow in many Celtic jewelry collections. Its beautiful form with three interlinked shapes gives it its recognizable triangular profile. Three intertwined triangles are a relatively simple shape creating a more complex trefoil knot. A continuous Celtic knot design that cannot be untied or broken. Some trefoil knot designs also include a circle at the center of this knot.

Three Symbols of Celtic Motherhood and Family

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Celtic family life was especially important to the ancient Celts. The basic family unit of Celtic life was called the clan. The Celtic clan was virtually a tight extended family unit. Clans were compelled to associate loosely with other clans creating tribes. Each Celtic tribe had its own community structure, rules, and traditions, and they might have even had their own gods. The family structure or clan was especially important in ancient Celtic life.

Celtic Family Knot is a Celtic symbol for love and family

The Celtic family knot is a symbol strong and powerful Celtic family bonds. Celtic knot symbols have always inspired ways to express aspects of our Irish Celtic family lives. The Celtic symbol for the family represented in jewelry and Celtic family knot tattoo inspirations are a popular to express one’s strong Celtic family bonds.

The Celtic Family Knot Pendant
by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic symbol for family, the  Celtic Family Knot represents the strong family bond. This original Celtic Jewelry design Celtic Family Knot Pendant is great for all moms and is a symbol of family love.

What is the meaning of the Celtic Family Knot?

The Irish Celtic symbol for family, the Celtic Family Knot is a reminder of the beauty of family love. Celtic knots are eternal and strong like the bond that holds a family together. The Celtic Family Knot Pendant is a keepsake that will be cherished. Whether you are a single parent with one child or a couple with starting a family this Celtic Knot Family of Two Pendant is perfect.

What is the Mothers Claddagh?

Our Mothers Claddagh Necklace represents the eternal bond of friendship, love and loyalty shared between a mother and her child. A mother’s love is immeasurable. A mother has great dreams for her children and she patiently stands by as she watches them chase them. She is there to see them soar and she catches them when they fall. She might not always be perfect but in the end she will always be there. She is a devoted mother.

Mothers Claddagh Jewelry by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Meaning of the Mothers Claddagh…

The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by two hands symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world-renowned symbol of love.

The mothers claddagh is a humble stylized parent and child embrace representative of the Madonna and child combined with a traditional Irish claddagh is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith, and their Irish heritage in Celtic jewelry.

The Celtic Motherhood Knot is a Symbol of the Mother and Child Bond

Many Celtic Symbols have influenced many aspects of daily life especially motherhood. Celtic motherhood symbols in general represent the natural cycles of life, love, and the strength of the unbroken bond. The Celtic motherhood knot naturally lends itself as a symbol for Celtic Family. But perhaps the best example of a Celtic knot motherhood symbol representing the Celtic family is the Motherhood Knot called the Celtic Mothers Knot.

The Celtic Mothers Knot a Traditional Motherhood Knot by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic motherhood knot also known as the Celtic Mothers Knot is a design based on the famous Trinity Knot, also known as the Triquetra. The Celtic Mothers Knot combines the beautiful meaning of the trinity knot with a stylized depiction of a mother and child.

The Celtic depiction of the popular Celtic knot known as the Trinity Knot dates back for generations.  The Celtic Trinity Knot is a circle interwoven with a continuously flowing three-point symbol.

The Trinity knot, an early symbol of Christianity, pre-dating the Celtic represents the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is the three in one of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. There are many depictions of the Celtic Trinity Knot in history including in the Book of Kells. The Trinity Knot is the perfect Celtic symbol used to depict the love be between a mother and child in the Celtic Mothers Knot.  

Meaning of the Iconic Celtic Symbol for Motherhood, The Celtic Mothers Knot

The intricate Celtic motherhood knot known universal as the Celtic Mothers Knot symbolizes the perpetual bond and strength of love between a mother and child.

The meaning of the Celtic motherhood symbol, The Celtic Mothers Knot revolves around the maternal love between mother and child that endures the test of time.

At its heart, The trinity symbol combined with the image of a mother and child symbol portrays the resilient, never-ending bond of love that exists between mother and child from the moment the child is conceived until birth and for eternity. A mother’s love for her child is one of the strongest things on earth.

Celtic Motherhood knot designs are used as a popular tattoo design.

The Celtic Motherhood Knot like to extremely popular The Celtic Mothers Knot highlights an eternal bond in a popular tattoo design.   A Celtic motherhood knot tattoo symbolizes a mother’s love for her child.

The Dullahan – The Irish Headless Horseman

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The Irish legend of the Dullahan, or English translation “dark man” is unnerving. The Headless Horseman or Dullahan is the Irishdullahan the irish jewelry company foreteller of death. The Dullahan rides a jet black horse with flames shooting from its eyes, carrying his head under one arm. Irish folklore says that when he stops riding, a human dies.


There are many versions of this scary tale. Some say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while other say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die.
But as with most evil entities the Dullahan has a weakness. The Dullahan can not stand the sight of GOLD. So you would be wise when traveling on this Halloween to carry a wee bit of in case you have a run-in with this headless horror!

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Irish Fairies and Anti Fairy Measures

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In Ireland there are fairies, good natured and there are FAIRIES. If you’ve ever traveled at night on the winding Irish back roads in the countryside of Ireland you would know it is a kind of eerie darkness that puts fear in your very heart. One can easily imagine something moving over the moors or hearing the forlorn screech of a dammed fairy.

celtic fairyAs a child in Ireland you are warned to not play inside a fairy fort because the fairies don’t like it and might curse you or worse they might fancy you. Fairy forts are mounds or hills found all over Ireland. They are the ruins of circular mound dwellings in which people lived during the Iron Age such as Newgrange.

‘Away with the fairies’is an old Irish expression referring to someone whose mind is elsewhere. It originated with the belief in the folklore that mischievous…

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Barmbrack Recipe

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Barmbrack is the center of an Irish Halloween custom. The Halloween Brack traditionally contained various objects baked into the bread and was used as a sort of fortune-telling game. In the barmbrack were: a pea, a stick, a piece of cloth, a small coin (originally a silver sixpence) and a ring. Each item, when received in the slice, was supposed to carry a meaning to the person concerned: the pea, the person would not marry that year; the stick, would have an unhappy marriage or continually be in disputes; the cloth or rag, would have bad luck or be 12002851_1068039236547381_8260594681565605031_npoor; the coin, would enjoy good fortune or be rich; and the ring, would be wed within the year. Other articles added to the brack include a medallion, usually of the Virgin Mary to symbolize going into the priesthood or to the Nuns, although this tradition is not widely continued in…

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The Banshee | Scream of the Banshee

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The Banshee…. bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy may be an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient 220px-BansheeIrish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O’Neills, the O’Briens, the O’Connors, the O’Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list.
Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the…

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Colcannon (I love this stuff) A tradition Halloween meal.

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12042678_10156171951110245_934213265156568500_nColcannon Recipe

Ingredients:
• 1 lb potatoes
• 1 lb kale or cabbage
• Onion or leek
• 1/4 cup milk
• Butter, salt and pepper

Directions:
First peel and boil the potatoes. Then chop the kale or cabbage up small. Steam cabbage until tender, about 8 minutes. Then saute the onion until golden. Mash the potatoes well, and mix with the cabbage and onion. Add a wee bit of milk and butter to get that creamy consistency. Then salt and pepper to taste. Bake in a medium oven for about 15 minutes.

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IRISH HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS and Samhain History

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Samhain greeting card

The Celts celebrated Halloween as Samhain, ‘All Hallowtide’ – the ‘Feast of the Dead’, when the dead revisited the mortal world. The celebration marked the end of Summer and the start of the Winter months.

During the eighth century the Catholic Church designated the first day of November as ‘All Saints Day’ (‘All Hallows’) – a day of commemoration for those Saints that did not have a specific day of remembrance. The night before was known as ‘All Hallows Eve’ which, over time, became known as Halloween.

Here are the most notable Irish Halloween Traditions:

Colcannon for Dinner:
Boiled Potato, Curly Kale (a cabbage) and raw Onions are provided as the traditional Irish Halloween dinner. Clean coins are wrapped in baking paper and placed in the potato for children to find and keep.

The Barnbrack Cake:
The traditional Halloween cake in Ireland is the barnbrack which is a fruit bread…

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