The Irish Harp Pendant by The Irish Jewelry Company
The National Symbol of Ireland
The Irish Harp is the national symbolofIreland. The traditional instrument is featured on Irish coins, the Presidential Seal, the Irish passport and the Irish coat of arms. Scholars have found that the Irish harp’s popularity with the Irish people dates back to the 1500’s. However the Irish Harp can only be considered the national symbol of Ireland when it’s in ‘left facing’ form.
Only a left facing harp is the registered symbol of Ireland, why is that you ask? Blame that beloved Irish beverage company Guinness. In 1922, when Irish officials tried to register the harp as the national trademark, they were advised it could only register the rights to a left facing harp because Guinness had already registered a right facing harp as the Guinness mark and had been trading under it since 1862!
Irish Brooch by The Irish Jewelry Company
The Celtic Harp
The Celtic harp is a wire strung instrument with a triangular frame. The Celtic harp also known as the Irish Harp is traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It is known as cláirseach in Irish Gaelic and clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic. The Celtic harp is an ancient instrument associated with the ruling class and required skill and much practice to play.
The Royal Harp for for an Irish King
Trinity College’s Trinity Harp
Ireland’s national emblem is actually based on the Brian Boru Harp. Irish legend says Brian Boru played the harp the night before the Battle of Clontarf. This Irish harp is also known as the Trinity Harp, and is on display in Trinity College Dublin’s Long Room. You know the place. Its the beautifully dramatic old library of TrinityCollege that holds a collection of 200,000 the oldest books with the gorgeous barrel ceiling used in numerous movie scenes.
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
Everyone is on the hunt for that perfect Valentine’s gift when the same old flowers and fattening chocolate just is not going to cut it. Especially after the year we all had in 2020. The pandemic has given people a newfound or renewed appreciation for our relationships, a spiritual awakening and has left us in search of a deeper meaning in everything. So, we recommend instead of giving the same old boring thoughtless gift why not give a beautiful piece of Celtic jewelry steeped in sentimental meaning, tradition, and spiritualism. Women of all ages love a nice piece of jewelry, especially something that was thoughtfully selected with meaning.
Give her a wee bit of Ireland and your Irish heart to carry with her always. Connemara is a region in county Galway. Our Connemara Marble Heart Toggle Bracelet is so beautiful, and History and tradition stoked! You will love owning one.
Connemara Marble Heart Toggle Bracelet
The word Connemara comes from the Gaelic meaning “Inlets for the Sea”. Connemara Marble is a rare form of marble found in the region. It is typically greenish in color. It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure. While the color is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. 4000-year-old axes made from Connemara Marble in the Stone Age can be seen in The National Museum of Ireland. Owning a piece is like a little slice of Irish heaven.
Connemara Marble is a rare form of marble found in the region. … It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure.
2. Arrow Necklace: Cupid Aims Straight for the Heart
Channel your inner Celtic archer with Celtic knot adorned Celtic Arrow Jewelry. This beautiful Celtic Arrow Jewelry Collection aims straight for the heart. It’s a fun and stylish token of Celtic love. As though being struck by Cupid’s arrow she’ll be smitten by the Celtic Arrow Jewelry Collection. Once struck it’s hard to resist this cute Celtic Arrow Jewelry. The Celtic Arrow Collection is a brilliantly unique Celtic Jewelry trend.
The Celtic Arrow Meaning is a symbol of the Celtic Warrior, courageous and bravery. The Celtic Arrow is an ancient symbol reminding us of the traditions of the Celtic Warrior and the bravery within.
3. Love her to the Moon and Back!
She’ll be moon struck with our Celtic Moon Pendant and Celtic Moon Earrings. Celtic mythology and symbolism is big on balance and the Celtic moon is very significant. There is a moon goddess also worshiped by the Celts, who is associated with the lunar cycles. Waning Crescent Moon. CRESCENT MOON. The Celtic Creasant Moon is stunning. The word “crescent” comes from the Latin term ceres meaning to “bring forth, create” and crescere, the Latin term for “grow, thrive”. The Celtic moon is big and beautiful and hard not to look at.
4. Show Her She’s Your Shining Star
Shimmer brilliantly like the brightest star in the night sky wearing our Celtic Star Pendant. It is the perfect gift for any shining star in your life.
The Celtic Star is an ancient Celtic symbol that stands for being, spirit life and eternal. The Celtic Star is an interesting Celtic symbol combined with the Triquetra and it is made up of a knotted triangular shape, which is composed of an unbroken, continuous line.
Shimmer brilliantly like the brightest star in the night sky wearing our Celtic Star Pendant. It is the perfect gift for any shining star in your life. Polaris, often referred to as the North Star, is seemingly un-moving in our sky due to its alignment with the Earth’s axis at the northern pole.
5. Give Her A Key – A Key to your Heart
The Key To My Irish Heart necklace combines true symbols of love and Ireland. A key to your Irish heart and a four leaf clover. The four leaf clover is a symbol of good luck. The leaves of the clover stand for hope, faith, love and luck. Unlock the door to true love with the key to your Irish heart.
6. Hug and Kisses Claddagh
Lavish her with hugs and kisses to carry with her wherever she goes. Our delightful sterling silver collection of XO and Claddagh Hugs and Kisses Jewelry Collection. Our Hugs and KissesCladdagh Jewelry will definitely Inspire her to lay a big hug and kiss on you. This Hugs and Kisses Claddagh necklaceis totally charming. The XO claddaghwill show her how much you want to smother her in you affections all while proclaiming your eternal friendship, love and loyalty.
7. She Makes your Heart Skip a Beat: Celtic Heartbeat Necklace
Celtic Heartbeat Necklace
The Celtic Heartbeat Necklace lets her know your heart beats only for her. This brilliant heartbeat necklace in sleek sterling silver,is adorned with rose gold trinity knot that catches the eye. This romantic heartbeat necklace symbolizes the vitality of Celtic love. Like the old Irish saying, “My pulse, my heart, A chuisle, a chroí.”
The Celtic Heartbeat Necklace is depicted as an AFib or Atrial fibrillation because it is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by the rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart.
8. The Knot that Binds Us: The Celtic Couples Knot
Our Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection pledges your eternal love with this woven Celtic knot. Like true love Celtic knots have not ending. The Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
9. The Trinity Knot – The Celtic Love Knot
by The Irish Jewelry Company
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. The trinity knots interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life and undying love. When you give a piece of Celtic Jewelry like the Diamond Infinity Trinity necklace you pledge your infinite love and loyalty .
10. The Famous Celtic Symbol of Love: The Claddagh Ring
Claddagh Ring by The Irish Jewelry Company
Claddagh Rings are world renowned, and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. Irish Claddagh rings are named for the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 17th century. The Claddagh ring in Irish is fáinne Chladaigh and is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The Irish Cladddagh ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.
The Claddagh ring is really afede rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh ring is a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition.
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.
Steeped in tradition, the meaningoftheCladdaghring has varied throughout the years for the wearer. The ring can be worn on different fingers or hands, depending on one’s relationship status.
The Claddagh Ring, without a doubt is one of Ireland’s most famous symbols of heritage. The Claddagh Ring has become a symbol of Ireland. The claddagh symboldepicts two hands gentle holding a heart that is adorned with a royal crown. It symbolizes the strength of a relationship, bound eternally in friendship, love and loyalty. The wearing of the Irish Claddagh ring is a tradition, rich insymbolic meaning and history.
The Claddagh Ring has become a worldwide symbol of Irish culture and heritage loved by all nationalities.
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.
The Claddagh ring is really a fede rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh ring is a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition
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 is now more commonly pronounced without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].
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.
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. 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.
Many people and tourists to Ireland 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 Irish Jewelry.
What jewelry is Ireland known for?
Ireland is known for beautiful Irish Jewelry. Irish jewelry is steeped in culture from Ireland with stories of love and friendship passed for generations. Irish jewelry has timeless appeal and is a wonderful representation of the vibrant Irish culture and they beauty of its people.
Irish jewelry is high quality and handcrafted inspired by all things Irish and made from the finest material by expert jewelers. When a customer buys a piece of Irish jewelry such as a Claddagh Ring, they are not only getting a beautiful piece of jewelry they are also passing on traditional Irish culture and custom.
The legend behind the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring design is a beautiful story if enduring love. Imagine Ireland in the days long ago. A young Irishman in love with a beautiful Irish lass was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed while in captivity and he wondered if his true love had waited for his return. As the years wore on, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring for his true love. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first rustic claddagh ring being made? After many years he finally returned home to the village of Claddagh Ireland, near the Galway coast. To his wonderful delight he discovered his true love had waited for him. So, he gave her the tiny ring he fashioned for her while in captivity as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. This beautiful token of love loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh Ring.
Another popular piece of Irish Jewelry from Ireland that it is famous for is the Celtic Cross. Irish legend says Saint Patrick a Christian missionary regarded as the patron saint of Ireland was responsible for the origins of the Celtic Cross. St. Patrick lived from AD 373-493 and ministered in Northern Ireland from AD 433 until his death. The Pious legend credits St. Patrick with banishing snakes from the island, though post-glacial Ireland never actually had snakes. It is suggested that the snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids. Saint Patrick is also credited with teaching the Irish about the Holy Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a 3-leaved clover. Legend also says St. Patrick, while preaching Christianity drew a cross through a Celtic circle symbolic of the moon Goddess. Hence the Celtic cross was born. Today the circle of the Celtic cross is viewed as a of God’s endless love. The Celtic cross is one of the most popular and enduring pieces of Irish jewelry passed from generations to generation of family members today.
Irish wedding traditions date far back in history and many have survived in one form or another today. These Irish wedding traditions were rooted in nature came from folklore and superstitions for generations. passed on generations. Today Irish couples around the world seek to incorporate these ancient Irish wedding traditions in their modern-day wedding as a way pay tribute or to reconnect with their Irish heritage.
Have you ever heard the phrase “HIS GOOSE IS COOKED”?
The expression ‘his goose is cooked’ is still in use in Ireland and especially in Dublin. The phrase originated from the tradition of cooking a goose for the groom in the Bride’s house the night before the wedding. Once the goose was cooked there was simply no going back!
TYING THE KNOT… the Celtic Knot
Perhaps the best-known Irish Wedding Tradition that most people don’t know about is tying the knot. Did you know the phrase “Tying the Knot” originated with the ancient Celtic ceremony of hand fasting? This old Celtic tradition symbolizes the joining of two as one like the exchanging of rings today. The couple clasps their hands together and a brightly colored cord in the bridal party colors is wrapped around their hands as a symbol of their unity in marriage.
IRISH LACE, an Irish Wedding Tradition
Irish Lace is commonly used as an Irish Wedding Tradition. 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.
FLOWERS and Shamrocks of course
For good luck to the marriage, a sprig of shamrocks is tucked into the bouquet. The lucky Shamrock is also the symbol of Ireland. It is also customary to decorate the house that the wedding celebration was held in with locally grown flowers and plants. These would vary according to the time of the year that the wedding was held. Some plants have become associated with Ireland, not least the now readily available ‘Bells of Ireland’, used in modern times for its symbolism. A Celtic tradition in Wales involves the plant Myrtle which is presented by the Bride to the Bridesmaids who then plant it in their gardens. If the plant grew, then the Bridesmaid would be married before the year is out!
THE MAGIC HANKY
It is now usual for the ‘magic hanky’ to be made from Linen although it is likely the original versions were made from cheaper materials. It was usual for the Bride to carry the hanky on her wedding day and for it to be retained and later converted to a Christening hat/bonnet for her first child. The hanky would be passed on from generation to generation to be re-used in a similar manner. THE
CLADDAGH RING
Irish jewelry is known to be steeped in irish tradition. It is quite common for a traditional Claddagh Ring to be used at an Irish wedding, as a wedding band. The ring is faced outwards prior to the wedding and reversed to face inwards on the hand after the wedding, indicating that the bearer is taken forever! The Claddagh Ring is one of the most well-known romantic symbols of Ireland.
THE LUCKY HORSESHOE
The tradition of a horseshoe is well known throughout the world and so it is in Ireland. By placing the horseshoe upright over a door or in a room the ‘luck of the house’ was kept intact. The Greeks associated the horseshoe with the crescent moon and its symbolism of fertility. The tradition was popular throughout Ireland and England too with the readily available horseshoe being carried by the Bride as she walked down the aisle. It was then affixed securely by the Groom in the matrimonial home. Today, glass and ceramic horseshoes are symbolically used at Irish wedding ceremonies.
WEDDING BELLS and the Make Up Bell
The use of Church bells in Christian religions is symbolic of driving away the evil spirits from the marriage to be. In Penal times in Ireland this was not possible, so the gift of a small bell acted as a substitute. Modern Irish weddings often have stationery, invitations, bunting, and decorations adorned with bells, hearts, shamrocks, and horseshoes. A small glass or ceramic bell can be used in the Church service and kept as a memento. It is a tradition in Ireland to present a couple with a “make-up” bell for their wedding or anniversary, even engagement. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away and to restore harmony if a couple is fighting. The sound of the bell, much like a church bell is to remind a couple of their wedding vows. This bell is also rung when one partner is ready to “make up” and end any little quarrel. Each partner should take turns ringing the bell, lest a quarrel begin again.
IRISH WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS
It is considered better luck to get married during a time of plenty. A bountiful harvest year, is a good omen for any newly married couple. It is better that a man be the first person to wish joy and happiness to the new Bride, and never a woman.
A wedding party should always avoid crossing paths with a Funeral procession. Seems like an obvious one.
Upon the bride and groom leaving the Church paper confetti to tossed at the betrothed, but in ancient times an old shoe was tossed over the head of the Bride for luck – not so lucky if it hits the Bride though!
Placing a statue of ‘the Child of Prague’, a small statue of the Holy Infant Jesus, in the garden of the Bride prior to the wedding is supposed to ensure that her big day is blessed by nice weather.
Have you ever wanted a diamond claddagh ring? Look no further than The Irish Jewelry Company for a unique collection of diamond claddagh rings.
The Irish Jewelry Company‘s Diamond Claddagh Ring radiates exquisite beauty. The Diamond Claddagh ring is one of Ireland’s best known symbols of love. A Diamond Claddagh ring has three symbolic parts. It’s 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” . Giver her aDiamond Claddagh Ring by The Irish Jewelry Companytoday. A leader in Irish Jewelry online sales.
What is the Claddagh Story?
A short history of the Claddagh ring. Long ago a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years 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 as a symbol of friendship. After many years he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return and to his joy he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as theCladdagh. Do you have someone in your life to which you pledge your love, loyalty and friendship forever?
Irish Claddagh rings that are worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards the wearer mean that the wearer is married. When a claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing away from the wearer, the Claddagh ring indicates that the person’s heart is still open to love. Wear your claddagh ring in this position if you are single and open to love.
The Irish harp is a political symbol of Ireland. for centuries. The exact origin of the Irish Harp is really known.
The Irish Harp is a symbol of Ireland and Irish pride. The Irish harp became an emblem of resistance to the Crown and England. The Irish harp, although not as renowned as the shamrock is the official emblem of Ireland. The Irish harp status as the official insignia of Ireland dates centuries and the elegant instrument’s history tells much about the history of the Emerald Isle.
Be inspired. Choose a piece of birthstone jewelry, like our birthstone clover, birthstone claddagh heart, birthstone family necklace or our birthstone claddagh ring to mark a special occasion like a graduation or anniversary or to express your personal philosophy. Since ancient times, birthstones have been thought to possess a magical force that could shield the wearer of the stone. Our Irish birthstone jewelry collection is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company. Learn more>
ith a beautiful Irish lass was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed while in captivity and he wondered if his true love had waited for his return. As the years wore on, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring for his true love. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first rustic 
irish culture and traditions 