Mother’sDay is right around the corner! But this Mother’sDay feels different, special and her Mothers Day Gift should be special, too. Whether you’re celebrating yourself, gifting to that special mom or mother figures in your life finding truly one-of-a-kind item can make all the difference. Your mother is your best friend and certainly your biggest fan always. Show her, and all the important women in your life, you love just how much you care with the perfect Gift for Mother’sDay. Whether you are shopping for your wife, mother, grandmother, stepmom, aunt, sister, or another beautiful strong woman in your life, the Celtic Mothers Knot Jewelry Collection is a great Mothers Day gifts to give mom.
The Celtic symbol for motherhood, the Celtic Motherhood Knot is a stylized Celtic knot depicting a parent and child embrace. It is representative of the Madonna and child. Combined with a Celtic knot it is a true testament to the enduring bond between a mother and child, faith and their Celtic heritage.
Our Diamond Celtic Mother’s Knot Ring is a brilliant gift for any Irish mom or mother to be. “Grá Máthair” translated from Gaelic means “A mother’s love”. Is there any love greater then that of a mother and her children? She certainly deserves the best especially a Celtic Mother’s Knot Diamond Ring in sterling silver with approximately 1/8 carat in diamonds.
Celtic Mothers Knot Cross Pendant
There is an old Irish saying that says “A mother holds her children’s hands for a little while and their hearts forever.” This Celtic Mothers Knot Cross Necklace is the perfect Celtic cross for any Celtic or Irish mother.
Awwww Mother’sDay, a wonderful day of celebration honoring the mother or matriarch of the family. It also celebrates the beauty of motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in our lives today. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days around the world. It is most commonly in the spring months of March or May around Easter time. Mother’s Day is a great celebration similar to the celebrations honoring family members, such as Father’s Day, SiblingsDay, and GrandparentsDay. It is a celebration of motherhood that shows its appreciation of all the hard work mothers and mother figures do for their families.
So when is Mothers Day exactly?
Mothers Day is a great holiday in honor of mothers celebrated in many countries throughout the world. The modern form of the holiday and the way in which it is celebrated originated in the United Sates. However, the date of Mother’s Day varies around the world. Anna Jarvis a resident of Philadelphia, whose mother was an activist who had organized various women’s organization to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day. In 1907 she held a memorial service for her mother at her church, in West Virginia. Shortly there after within a few years virtually every state in the United States was observing the day as Mothers Day. The day honoring mothers became so popular that by 1914 U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday forever dedicating a day in the US to celebrate and honor mothers.
When in Mother’s Day in the US?
In the United States, Mother’s Day is always celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May.
When is Mother’s Day in the UK?
In the UK, mothers are honored in spring on the fourth Sunday of Lent, right before Easter Sunday. The Custom developed in the Middle Ages as a way to allow those who had moved away to visit their home parishes and mothers on Laetare Sunday, or the fourth Sunday of Lent. This is how the holiday became known as Mothering Sunday in Britain,and in modern times is refereed to as Mother’s Day.
When is Mother’s Day in Ireland?
In Ireland, like in the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday (Mother’sDay) as it is lovingly refereed, it is held on the fourth Sunday in Lent. It is usually in March or at the beginning of April, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. Mother’s Day 2021 in the US is almost her so show her how much you care.
Best Mother’s Day Gifts
These fabulous Mother’sDayGift Ideas are the perfects gift to honor any mother, grandmother or mom to be. Celebrate Mom this Mother’sDay with the best gifts for Mother’s Day to give her that show her just how much she means to her family.
Mother’sDay celebrates motherhood and is a day to make an extra-special effort to recognize and appreciate mothers’ roles in our lives with a special Mother’s Day Gift. Often this day is extended to multi generations of mothers including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers—as well as tomother figures who are also given Mothers Day Gifts.
Themothers claddagh is an unassuming stylized mother and child embrace representative of the Madonna and child. Combined with a traditional Irish claddagh, the mothers claddagh it is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith and their Irish heritage. A mother’s love is immeasurable. She 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. The Mothers Claddagh Jewelry Collection, includes the Mothers Claddagh Necklace, Mothers Claddagh Cross Pendant, Mothers Claddagh Earrings, and the Mothers Claddagh Ring. The Mothers Claddagh is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company.
The original Celtic motherhood knot, the Celtic Mothers Knotis an unassuming stylized holy trinity with a mother and child embrace is representative of the Madonna and child. Combined with a Celtic trinity knot the Celtic motherhood knot known as the Celtic Mothers Knot is a true testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith and their Celtic heritage. The Celtic Mothers Knot, that depicts the mother and child Celtic Knot symbol is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company.
The Celtic Mothers Knot is also called the Motherhood 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 thisCeltic Knot Family of Two Pendant is perfect.
The Claddagh Mom Ring is a beautiful tribute for any mother. This new modern twist on a traditional claddagh ring creating the word “Mom” takes Irish claddagh rings to a new level of great design. The claddagh mom ring is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty between a mother and her child. The Mom Claddagh Ring is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company.
Mom Claddagh Heart Pendant is a beautiful gift for any mother. A true symbol of mom’s friendship , love and loyalty. Mom’s heart will melt when she sees this shimmering claddagh with bright pink heart pendant. The word “Mom” is spelled out across the center of the claddagh heart in a charming font. It’s a tradition Irish sentiment with a nod to mom. She will truly treasure our Mom Claddagh Heart Pendant. The Mom Claddagh Heart Pendant is an exclusive design of The Irish Jewelry Company.
Give Mom a gift she will truly treasure especially your Irish mom. This brilliant stylized oval Mom pendant with filigree shamrocks is a lovely tribute to mom’s Irish heritage. The shamrock is a 3-leaf clover and is the symbol of Ireland. The shamrock forms a triad and the Celts believed three was a mystical number. In Ireland shamrocks are traditionally for good luck. Tell her how “Lucky” you are to have her for a mom! The Irish Mom Pendant is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company.
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest
“Will you marry Me”? It is probably the greatest question you will ever ask or be asked and one of the most important times in your life. Choose a ring just as significant, and one the holds symbolic meaning. Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings hold a deep significance in the daily lives of many men and women, especially in the Celtic culture. In memory of a loved one. Jewelry like rings is often worn to commemorate special occasions in one’s life like a promise of love, lifelong commitment through marriage or in memory of a loved one.
The Origins of the Wedding Ring Tradition
The origin of the exchanging of rings or the wedding ring tradition some 3,00 years but even more exciting the first recorded history of a diamond wedding ring dates to the incredibly early 1400’s. The Western tradition of exchanging wedding rings is said to have originated in ancient Rome and Greece. Early engagement rings or wedding bands were exchanged as a dowry and then later then were used as a promise ring of fidelity. Our modern custom of exchanging wedding rings and engagement rings is derived from Christendom from Europe in the Middle Ages. Many have argued that the tradition of the ring finger or the wearing of the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is traced all the way back to the Egyptians. The Egyptians held the belief that the vena amoris, the vein of love ran heart to the top of the fourth finger on the left hand.
Celtic Wedding Rings are Rich in Beauty and Culture
Many people of Celtic heritage often desire a Celtic wedding inspired by the tradition of the Celtic Nations, especially Ireland. There are six regions recognized as Celtic nations, and they are Ireland, Brittany, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Scotland, and Wales.
Who Buys a Celtic Engagement Ring or Wedding Ring?
Many Irish Americans and those who connect with the heritage of the Celtic nations identify with Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings inspired by historical Irish traditions and heritage. Celtic rings are an appealing and distinctive take on the engagement ring and wedding band.
Two Popular Styles of Traditional Celtic Wedding Rings
The Claddagh Ring is a type of fede ring. The name fede comes from the Italian phrase “mani fede” meaning hands joined in faith. It is also commonly referred to as the hands and heart ring. There is also a version known as the Fenian Claddagh or Dublin Claddagh. This version does not have a crown and was made in Dublin in the 1800’s. In Irish tradition claddagh rings are passed down from mother to daughter. Joyce later begun the romantic tradition of giving a claddagh ring to a loved one as a promise of friendship, love, and loyalty.
The Celtic Knot Ring
There are many Celtic knot ring styles, but all Celtic Knot Rings are magnificent in their intricate design and cultural meaning. The basic principle of a Celtic knot is that it is an endless knot. Throughout the centuries the Irish have carried on the traditional Celtic folklore of the Celtic knot and adapted many versions of the knot. Endless Celtic knots make the perfect design inspiration for engagement rings and wedding bands. Celtic knot engagement rings speak volumes about Irish heritage and meaning. Any one can enjoy the beautiful design and symbolic meaning of these unique wedding rings.
This Aran Rope Claddagh Wedding Band is a finely crafted Irish masterpiece accented in all sterling silver. This designer claddagh wedding band is inspired by the warmth of the Irish wool fibers twisted into the beautiful and strong yarn that is knitted into traditional Aran sweaters. The Aran sweater is a symbol of Irish heritage and traditional Irish customs. The claddagh wedding ring is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty and it makes the perfect Irish Claddagh wedding ring for any Celtic man.
The Diamond Celtic Eternity Knot Band in sterling silver and yellow gold is magnificent. Celtic knots have no ending or beginning. This diamond Celtic eternity knot wedding band symbolizes the eternal bond between man and woman. This is truly a striking Celtic wedding ring.
This captivating Celtic Weave Diamond Bridal Set will honor your bride’s Celtic heritage. This clever woven Celtic knot engagement ringfeatures a square diamond cluster setting flanked by trinity knots. Trinity knots are the Irish love knot. On your wedding day stack, it with the coordinating Celtic woven band that fits snugly next to it.
This Diamond Trinity Knot Engagement Ring Set is as beautiful and captivating. Express your love and honor your heritage with this true Trinity Knot Engagement Ring set. The Celtic Trinity engagement ring has a round cluster setting that shimmers with diamonds and is accented with trinity knots on either side. The matching band has coordinating trinity knots and diamonds. Trinity knots are the Irish love knot. This Celtic Trinity Knot Engagement ring set edged in milgrain for an heirloom look will take your loves breathe away.
This Diamond Claddagh Engagement Ring radiates exquisite beauty. The Diamond Claddagh ring is one of Ireland’s best-known symbols of love. A Diamond Claddagh engagement ringhas three symbolic parts. The heart stands for love, the crown is for loyalty, and the hands are for friendship. Experience every stage of love, loyalty, and friendship. There is an old Irish saying that goes, “With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love”.
About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh ring collection offers classic and contemporary Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.
While the exact origins of Celtic Knots in ancient Celtic Jewelry are lost to time scholars largely believe these Celtic symbols more than likely date to around 500 BC. Celtic knots and Celtic knot artwork images have been found carved and drawn on ancient Celtic architecture, art and in illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells. The first ancient examples of Celtic Jewelry are thought to date back to approximately 2000 BC to around 550 AD. It is during this period scholars widely believe the Celts and Celtic craftsman began working with silver and gold to craft beautiful intricate Celtic jewelry decorated with designs featuring Celtic symbols and Celtic knots.
The exact meaning the ancient Celts intended Celtic knots to represent has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries. Generally Celtic Knot meaning in jewelry has been left to interpretation by talented designer like Jennifer Derrig of The Irish Jewelry Company. Original ancient Celtic knot designs can be found embossed on large Celtic crosses in stone 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.
Celtic Jewelry is so highly sought after and admired throughout the world especially well designed Celtic Jewelry. Tourists to Ireland and the Celtic Nations often wonder about the local crafts the country is famous for creating. Ireland is famous for a variety of crafts including wool sweaters and its famous world-renowned Celtic Jewelry.
What jewelry is Ireland known for?
Ireland is known for beautiful Celtic Jewelry inspired by the ancient Celtic philosophy .Celtic jewelry is steeped in culture from Ireland with symbols of love, family, faith, and friendship passed for generations. Celtic jewelry has timeless appeal and is a wonderful representation of the vibrant Irish culture and people.
The Celtic cross is one of the most revered symbols of Ireland and of Irish culture. Few symbols are as renowned as the embodiment of Celtic Christianity like the Celtic cross worldwide. The Celtic Cross is basically a Latin cross with a circle of light, or a halo intersecting it. This cross also known as the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a famous Christian symbol that has its roots in paganism. The cross with a circle of light emerged in France and Britain in the middle ages and predates Christianity. It was adopted by Irish missionaries from the 9th through the 12th centuries.
Celtic Cross pendants and Irish Cross necklaces are inspired by the brilliant history and cultural symbolism of the standing stone crosses of Ireland like those at Clonmacnoise monastery. Celtic Crosses are inspired by beautiful Irish crosses reproduced in Silver and Gold with elaborate inscriptions like the ones on ancient Irish high crosses all over Ireland. Celtic crosses are world renowned by those who love all things Irish and Irish culture.
Authentic Celtic knot jewelry is steeped in Celtic tradition, Celtic jewelry history and Celtic heritage. Often Celtic knot jewelry meaning come from unique symbols of Irish, Scottish and Celtic culture. Symbols like the shamrock, Celtic knot and Irish harp to the wonderful Claddagh ring which has gained fame around the world.
About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh collection offers classic and contemporary Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.
The Meaning of the Irish Shamrock, the symbol of Ireland. The word shamrock comes from the Old Irish “seamróg”, which can be translated as “little clover”. The Irish word for clover is “seamair”, and óg means “young” or “little”.
What is the difference between a shamrock and a clover?
The shamrock and the clover plants are often confused. Shamrocks are in fact a species of the clover plant.The shamrock is most common 3-leaf clover native to the beautiful Emerald Isle. A clover must have three leaves to be considered a shamrock. If the clover has more or less, then it is not a shamrock.
Why is the shamrock a symbol of Ireland?
The majestic shamrock that adorn Irish jewelry today was chosen as the national symbol of Ireland because Saint Patrick used the 3 leafed clover to teach the Holy Trinity to the pagan Celts. The Celts understood the significance of the shamrock forming a triad because they believed three was a mystical number. The Trinity is the idea that God is really three-in-one: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. The word shamrock can be traced back to the Irish word seamróg or seamair óg, meaning “little clover”. The tradition of wearing a Shamrock on Saint Patrick’s Day can be traced back to the early 1700s. The Irish have long considered shamrocks as good-luck symbols and today people of many other nationalities also believe they bring good luck. Shamrock jewelry has gained in popularity in recent times. In Ireland shamrocks and shamrock jewelry are traditionally worn at weddings for good luck. Often tucked in a bouquet or used as filler with a boutineer.
What is the meaning of a 4 Leaf Clover?
According to Irish lore, each leaf represents: Love, Respect, Wealth, and Health. To find a four-leaf clover is a rare thing making it very lucky to find.
Shamrock Necklaces Popularized in Irish Jewelry
Erin Go Bragh Pendant and the Irish Hard Pendant by The Irish Jewelry Company
Shamrock necklaces, inspired by Ireland’s national symbol. Get the Luck of the Irish with a traditional shamrock pendant! The shamrock is believed to bring good luck and not just to the Irish. In Ireland shamrocks are traditionally worn at weddings for good luck. Brides sometimes pin a shamrock charm to their bouquet.
About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company collection offers classic and contemporary Irish Jewelry including Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.
Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring orClodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. 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.
How to Pronounce the word Claddagh …
So many people often mispronounce the word Claddagh. Learning how to pronounce claddagh correctly is important. The Gaelic spelling of the word tells us that ‘Cladach’ was originally pronounced [klad-ukh] and sounded out with a hard, guttural ending common to Irish words. The word Claddagh is pronounced more commonly now without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].
About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh collection offers classic and contemporary Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.
Imagine what it would be like to experience every stage of love, loyalty, and friendship. The claddagh story is an Irish folklore steeped in romantic tradition.
A Claddagh Ringis an Irish ring that symbolizes friendship, loyalty and love. Did you know a claddagh ring is like a beacon announcing to the world your relationship status? The claddagh ring is basically the original Tinder before the days of digital dating. Irish tradition literally tells the wearers relationship status according to the direction the heart on the ring is facing. There has been much debate as to whether you can buy yourself a claddagh ring or it has to bee given as a gift. But learning the claddagh ring traditions and the correct way how to wear a claddagh ring is must for the health of your love life single or not.
To wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned outwards, away from you indicates that the wearer is single.
To wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned inward, towards you symbolizes that the wearer is being courted in a relationship.
To wear a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned outwards, away from you indicates a romantic engagement.
To wear a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned inward, towards you on the left hand indicates marriage.
What are is claddagh tradition?
There is a claddagh tradition in Ireland. In Ireland it is traditional for mothers to hand down claddagh rings to their daughters. The Claddagh has been worn since Roman times! The beautiful meaning of the claddagh ring has made the claddagh ring a celebrated romantic gift for people of all nationalities. But none can argue that the claddagh ring holds a rather special meaning to those romantics of Irish heritage.
Origin of the Claddagh Ring
It has been said that the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring dates back to the 17th century. As the Claddagh story goes it first came from the small fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland. There are many folktales claiming the origin of the Irish Claddagh ring but the most popular story of the claddagh is about the Joyce family.
It is said the earliest known claddagh ring has the makers mark of a silversmith, what we now caller a jeweler by the name of Richard Joyce who worked during the 1700’s. Irish legend says that Richard Joyce himself was the lad captured and enslaved by Algerians and sold to a Moorish goldsmith where he learned his craft of silversmiths.
How is the word Claddagh pronounce?
The Irish word Claddagh pronunciation is [klah-duh]. It is also called a fáinne Chladaigh in Irish or in Gaelic the Cladach pronounced [klad-ukh]. Pronouncing the word Claddagh is now more commonly pronounced without the Gaelic accent as simply [klad-uh].
So what do claddagh rings mean? Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring or Clodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. 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.
About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh collection offers classic and contemporary Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.
The Irish Claddagh symbolizes unwavering love and faith. The Claddagh design first originated thousands of years ago. The Claddagh Ring is an old Irish ring with two hands holding a heart, surmounted by a crown. According to Irish heritage, the claddagh symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship. The hands represent ‘friendship’, the heart represents ‘love’, and the crown represents ‘loyalty’. Imagine Ireland in the days long ago when a young man named Richard Joyce was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh off the coast of Ireland. Can you imagine how many years passed while Richard Joyce wondered if his true love waited. As the years wore on he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands holding heart as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first claddagh ring being made? After many years he returned home to the village of Claddagh Ireland. To his magical delight he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh Ring.
Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, claddagh jewelry may be the choice for you. Claddagh jewelry designs are one of the most distinguished and original styles of Irish jewelry with symbolic importance to Irish culture. Claddagh Rings are world renowned, and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. From Claddagh pendants, Claddagh earrings and even to Claddagh bracelets, today many Irish jewelers like The Irish Jewelry Company carry a wide variety of jewelry that adds a modern touch to a classic Irish tradition.
Birthstone Claddagh Jewelry, like Birthstone Claddagh Rings and Pendants marks a special occasion like a graduation or anniversary or to expresses your personal philosophy. Since ancient times, birthstones have been thought to possess a magical force that could shield the wearer of the stone. Combining the lucky of the Irish with the mysterious forces of the birthstone jewelry creates a powerful talisman that can truly be a personal statement for the wearer. Learn about the birthstone chart, birthstone meaning and birthstones by month.
Themothers claddagh jewelry collection is an unassuming stylized mother and child embrace representative of the Madonna and child. The mothers claddagh combines a traditional Irish claddagh it is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith and their Irish heritage. A mother’s love is immeasurable. She 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 and a mothers claddagh pendant represents that.
The Diamond Claddagh Infinity Necklace brilliantly captures the essence of the infinity sign and Irish Claddagh. A symbol of eternal friendship, love and loyalty. An infinity jewelry symbol represents all that is eternal and timeless. When you give a Diamond Claddagh Infinity Necklace you pledge your infinite love and loyalty.
Claddagh jewelry and Claddagh rings are now available in a birthstone jewelry series making the perfect gift for mothers or daughters. Gorgeous and intricate Claddagh earrings every woman will love and appreciate plus much more. The Irish Jewelry Company has exclusive Claddagh Jewelry designs inspired by the Irish tradition of the Claddagh started in Ireland long ago. Beautiful luxurious designs crafted with precision that’s impossible to surpass at an affordable price.
Irish jewelry is steeped in Irish tradition and Celtic symbolism. It is full of mysticism and deep spiritual meaning, representing love, life cycles and faith. Irish symbols in Irish jewelry can be traced back directly folklore’s told through the centuries and ancient Celtic manuscript drawings. The popularity of Irish jewelry around the world has really taken off in recent years as many people taken an interest in the deeper meaning of talismans, objects of faith and symbols of life. Irish jewelry isn’t just for the Irish anymore.
The Celtic Tree of Life
The Celtic Tree of Life meaning varies. Rebirth is one of the most popular meanings for the Tree of Life. The belief stems from theory that trees experiences renewal throughout the changing of the seasons. Its leaves fall in autumn and regrow in spring is symbolic of rebirth. Another meaning of the Celtic Tree of Life is that it is also a symbol of wisdom and strength. The most sacred of trees was the oak, called ‘daur’ in Celtic. It is where the modern word ‘door’ is derived. So, the oak tree, literally would have been the door to the other world.
Celtic Cross Meaning
The Celtic cross is a cross with equal rays, enclosed in a circle. The rays can slightly protrude outside the circle. Sometimes a Celtic ornament is located along the cross and in a circle. Although this form of the cross is inherent in many ancient peoples, including the Slavs, the cross in a circle is firmly established in the minds of people as Celtic.
The Christian interpretation of the cross is simple: the circle means eternity and union, and the cross itself means the love and sacrifice. It is difficult to say how the ancient Celts themselves interpreted this symbol: there is no information about this. But historians suggest that the cross as understood by the ancient Celts could symbolize fertility, abundance, and protection. It is also called the solar symbol because its facets suggest the unity of earth, air, sun and water.
Nowadays, the Celtic cross is worn by both Christians and pagans: it is not tied to a particular religion, and different denominations perceive it as a symbol of their spiritual views.
Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh Ring is a legendary jewelry item that epitomizes timeless values. The legacy design cues hands on either side of a heart and a crown on top. The classic Claddagh ring shows the wearer’s family situation. Thus, a heart looking out the fingertips means you are single, whereas this element pointing towards the wrist means that the owner is taken. Claddagh rings symbolize friendship, love and loyalty.
Today, this ring has a huge number of design variations, but the main three elements have remained intact. This jewelry item is presented to girls and women as a symbol of companionship or as a Claddagh engagement ring.
Trinity Knot also Known as the Irish Love Knot
The Celtic love knot is a modern-day Irish tradition. Also know as the trinity knot, it is a religious symbol with both pagan and Christians heritage. In Celtic mythology, knots especially Celtic love knots symbolize the sacred geometry of the universe and being. It is customary to give a loved one a gift with the trinity knot, or Celtic Love Knot, like a necklace or ring, to embody feelings of love.
Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, lifelong bond of friendship between women with a symbol for sisters. One day we will all be in some part of all 3 stages of life. First, the youth of our childhood. Second, the mothering spirit of our years. Third, our wisdom that we pass on to the new generation of women. We may not all be related, but we all share a bond of love, compassion, and perseverance. There are few symbols for sisters like the Celtic Sisters Knot that captive the soul and beauty of sisterhood.
What do St. Patrick’s Day, the shamrock, and the Celtic knot have in common? They all represent symbols of Ireland’s rich culture.
What do St. Patrick’s Day, the shamrock, and the Celtic knot have in common? They all represent symbols of Ireland’s rich culture.
The Celts began to build their own civilization many centuries ago. They represented a collection of tribes from central Europe that shared religious beliefs, a common language, cultures, and traditions. The Celtic culture began to evolve as early as 1200 B.C. and spread throughout western Europe, with many of their legacies becoming most prominent in Ireland and Great Britain.
One such legacy is the history of the Claddagh ring. It is a symbolic Irish wedding ring that consists of two hands holding a crowned heart.
It is often worn as a symbol of heritage, but it’s more popularly used to define a relationship status, more commonly an engagement or marriage. It is the ultimate symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship that holds a fascinating history.
Read on to learn some interesting facts about the Claddagh ring’s origins and symbolism.
The Symbolism of Rings
The importance of rings started with the ancient Egyptians. They viewed its circular form as a powerful symbol.
The band represented eternal life and love as it had no end. The opening of the ring represented a path to unknown worlds. Egyptians exchanged rings as signs of loyalty, while the Greeks exchanged them as symbols of endless love.
However, almost 5,000 years ago, the Romans were the first to use the ring as a symbol of matrimony. The fede ring was the most common wedding ring. It depicted two hands clasped together, symbolizing a couple’s agreement to honor and love one another.
These rings were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. Changes in the original design led to the current iteration of the Claddagh Ring.
History of the Claddagh Ring
There are many versions of the story of the first Claddagh ring. One depicts an eagle dropping the ring into the lap of a charitable woman. It was a reward for her good deeds.
The most popular story is from the 17th century and involves Richard Joyce and the love of his life, Margaret. Richard was from Claddagh, a small village in Ireland, and a fisherman by trade.
Spanish soldiers captured his boat and sold it. They also sold the crew into slavery on the North African coast. Richard was the youngest of the crew and the most affected because he was afraid he would never see Margaret again.
Years passed, and throughout his enslavement, Richard continued to dream of his return to his village and Margaret. He was eventually sold to a goldsmith who began to teach him the trade. Each day, Richard stole a piece of gold and eventually made a ring.
He hoped that one day, he would be able to give it to Margaret. The story isn’t clear as to whether he escaped or was freed, but Richard eventually made it back to Claddagh. He found that Margaret had waited patiently for him.
He presented her with the ring he created, which is now known as the Claddagh ring. Legend has it that his ‘maker’s mark’ or initials were on the earliest known surviving Claddagh ring.
8 Claddagh Ring Facts
The Claddagh ring is a symbol steeped with Irish history. Here are some facts about its origin, meaning, use, and how it has changed over the years.
1. The First Claddagh Ring
The design’s earliest appearance was in 1700 in an Irish fishing village called Claddagh. Claddagh is now a part of the city of Galway. This is where the many versions of Claddagh ring history started.
2. The Claddagh Ring’s Category
The Claddagh ring is part of a broader category of rings called fede or faith. Mani in Fede is an Italian phrase that means ‘hands joined in fidelity.’ It symbolized a promise of friendship and love.
3. Most Popular Use of the Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a popular version of a design used for an Irish wedding ring, vows, and pledges. It dates back to the ancient Romans.
4. Claddagh Ring Meaning
Each element found on the Claddagh ring has significant meaning when used as a wedding ring:
The two hands represent friendship
The heart represents love
The crown represents loyalty
It is why it is considered the ultimate symbol of love and unity.
5. Claddagh Ring Tradition
Poor fishing families kept the Claddagh ring as a symbol of an investment. Mothers passed it on to their daughters or daughters-in-law. The tradition became even more significant in the 19th century when millions of Irish fled to America and Australia seeking a better life.
Single and looking for love? – Wear it on the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertip. The heart turned away from the wearer shows that their heart is open to love.
In a relationship? – Wear on the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist. The heart turned inward means the wearer’s heart is taken.
Engaged? – Wear it on the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertip.
Married? – Wear it on the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist.
7. Famous Claddagh Ring Wearers
Princess Grace of Monaco and Queen Victoria are two well-known figures who have worn Claddagh rings.
The ring was also featured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy received it as a present for her 17th birthday, from Angel, her vampire boyfriend. It was a symbol of their everlasting love.
8. A Presidential Gift
Two US presidents received Claddagh rings as gifts when they visited Ireland. John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie received theirs in 1963. The rings were to honor his Irish roots.
Ronald Reagan received his ring in 1984 from the people of Galway.
A Piece of Irish History
Being gifted with a Claddagh ring is a great honor. The traditional design found in any article or story about the history of the Claddagh ring is still popular. However, more modern versions include other Celtic and Irish symbols, such as knots interlacing around the ring band.
irish culture and traditions 