Celtic Irish Symbols

 

The meanings of Celtic symbols are open to much discussion as there are few remnants of historical records in relation to this period in existence. The Celts kept no written records so there is no definitive source to tell us the true meanings of Celtic symbols.  We only have the spoken word passed down from generation to generation.  And therefore it is impossible to distinguish fact from fiction.  As a result they are open to much personal interpretation.  However one thing is certain, Celtic symbols are an important part of our past and something that we should be proud off.  They are also the ideal way to say something without actually saying it. Which is one of the reasons, Celtic symbols are widely used in the making of Irish Jewellery.

 There are some distinctively Irish symbols such as the Claddagh, Shamrock and Harp. 

 Claddagh  

 The Claddagh is a unique Irish symbol of love, loyalty and friendship.  It consists of a heart, surrounded by hands and topped with a crown.  For more details on the Claddagh Rings see our blog on the History of the Claddagh Ring. 

Shamrock 

 The Shamrock is the most universally recognised symbol of Ireland.  A green three leafed plant that can be found growing throughout the Irish countryside. The wearing of the green on St. Patrick’s Day is a tradition that continues to survive, not just by people in Ireland but also by all the Irish Diaspora throughout the world.  Many people that shamrocks have mystical powers. The ancient druids considered the shamrock a sacred plant and believed that they had the power to ward off evil spirits. 

 Harp 

The Harp is the official symbol of Ireland.  Used on all state documentation, state seals and uniforms as well as the Irish presidential flag. It was also stamped on all Irish Currency until the introduction of the Euro, and now is found on the back of all Irish Euro Coins.Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its national symbol.  The design of harp used is modelled on the oldest known surviving harp in existence, the Brian Boru Harp.  Named after the famed high king of Ireland.  

 As well as the above distinctively Irish Celtic symbols there are many other emblems of Ireland’s Celtic heritage that are widely recognised. Including the following symbols:  

 Trinity Knot

 The Trinity motif is also known as the Triquetra – Latin for three-cornered.  It is a holy symbol with various meanings depending on different aspects such as religion, nature and spirit beliefs. However all the meanings have one thing in common, the three separate essences are vitally interconnected.

 Some of the meanings most associated with the Trinity Knot are as follows:  

-           Father, Son and Holy Ghost  -           Past, Present and Future-           Spirit, Mind and Body-           Mother, Father and Child.  Often you will see the trinity knot surrounded by a circle.  In this case the circle signifies the infinite and eternity as well as protection.

Spiral   

The Spiral represents growth, birth and evolution.  It is found extensively on ancient Celtic artefacts and is the second most common design found after the Celtic Knot.  According to some sources, the direction of the spiral has significant meaning with a clockwise spiral representing the sun and earth and a counter-clockwise spiral representing nature.   The Tri-Spiral or the Spiral of Life as it’s also known, can be found on Irish stone carvings, the most famous being Newgrange in Co. Meath which dates back to 2500BC.  It is believed to represent the cycle of life, death and rebirth.  Others believe it represents Father, Mother and Child on the path of life.   

 Celtic Tree of Life  

 The Celtic tree of life has branches which reach high into the heavens, while it’s roots dig deep into the earth. Yet all are woven together, signifying the connection between all things in heaven and earth.   Celtic Crosses  

 Crosses represent the bridge or passage between heaven and earth.  Celtic crosses are stone carved crosses found throughout the Irish countryside.  Highly ornate and decorative stone crosses, they are covered in pictures, symbols and patterns.  Many have crumbled over the centuries but some still stand to this day.  

Celtic Knot  

Celtic Knots are the most popular Celtic symbol.  Featuring no beginning and no end these beautiful, interwoven and intricate designs represent eternity.  Found throughout ancient Irish manuscripts such as the famous Book of Kells and on monuments such as Celtic Crosses. Celtic knots first appeared in Ireland when Irish monks began decorating their manuscripts with these highly ornate designs in the 7^th Century.  

There are many more different symbols, but these are the most popular and most associated with Ireland.

Charm Bracelets

Charm Bracelets

The history of charms goes back to ancient times. They can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt where Egyptian pharaohs wore charms in the form of amulets as protective shields to ward off evil spirits and also as a sign of their status.  Then during the middle ages, charms were worn by kings and knights for protection in battle and later to they wore them on their belts to represent family origins, their professions and shoe their political standing.

Interest in charms waned during the renaissance, until Queen Victoria started wearing charm bracelets. This was the beginning of wearing charms as a fashion accessory, rather than a protective, practical or spiritual use. Charms then became items of decoration, sought after pieces of fashion jewellery among the European noble classes. Locket and glass bead charms were the most popular.  The end of World War II then saw another surge in the popularity of charms when soldiers returning after the war brought handmade charms back to their love ones and during the 1950’s charm bracelets became the must have piece of jewellery.

However by the 1970’s they began to disappear from fashion before reappearing again in the 1980’s, but it wasn’t until after 2000 that they really took off and today they are one of the most sought after items of jewellery in the world.  So while the popularity of charms has come and gone over the years, they keep on returning and it looks like they are here to stay for the time being anyway.

Charm bracelets come in many different styles.  There is link bracelet styles onto which charms can be hung such as Ti Sento and Hot Diamonds, rope bracelets onto which charms or beads are screwed such as Pandora and Tara’s Diary or flat bracelets which are made up of interlinking flat charms. The new trend of chain bracelets onto which numerous charms can be added and interchanged really only took off in the 21^st Century, although originally introduced in the 1970’s.  But no matter what style they are, they all have the same idea and that’s to hold charms that signify a special event or relationship, so each charm bracelet will be unique to the wearer.

 Charm bracelets can be worn by anyone and for any occasion depending on the style of bracelet. They make wonderful gifts and once someone has the bracelet you are never stuck for a meaningful gift as you can buy a charm to mark every milestone and occasion from birthday to wedding, anniversary, new baby, new home, honeymoon, holiday reminder, Valentines day, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, communion, confirmation, new job, best friend, favourite pastime, favourite animal, favourite colour…and the list goes on.  There is something to suit all budgets and tastes which is why charm bracelets are so popular with every age group. You can start off small with just the bracelet and add charms over time or you can fill your bracelet to your liking and have a finished piece of jewellery to wear immediately.  That’s the attraction of charm bracelets, there is no right and wrong, it’s all up to the individual wearer to make their individual statement.

Pandora Charm Bracelets

 

Hot Diamonds Charm Bracelet

Tara's Diary Charm Bracelet