| [AD] | | | | Claddagh Rings |
| [AD]by: Sam Serio | | | | Named for the town of Claddagh near |
| Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves | | | | Galway in which they are said to have |
| has a rich history and a proud | | | | originated, Claddagh rings are beloved |
| tradition. Immensely beautiful with | | | | Celtic symbols of Irish culture and |
| intricate Celtic symbols and delicate | | | | sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, |
| designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic | | | | the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is |
| knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh | | | | well-documented. The Claddagh design has |
| rings have been admired and desired for | | | | a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a |
| thousands of years. | | | | crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two |
| Celtic Cross Jewelry | | | | hands (signifying friendship). The |
| One of the most enduring, and coveted | | | | phrase that is usually associated with |
| "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry | | | | the giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let |
| featuring the Celtic Cross. According to | | | | love and friendship reign." |
| Irish legend, St. Patrick created the | | | | It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a |
| first Celtic cross by drawing a circle | | | | popular marriage band. In Celtic times, |
| over a Latin cross. | | | | it was worn on the right hand with the |
| For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the | | | | heart turned outward to show that the |
| Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity | | | | wearer is unattached or with the heart |
| and the endlessness of God's love. It | | | | turned inward to show he/she was "spoken |
| can even represent a halo emanating from | | | | for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on |
| Christ. | | | | the left hand with the heart turned |
| Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic | | | | inward, it shows that two loves have |
| Cross represent the elements (fire, | | | | been joined in marriage. |
| earth, air, and water). Others believe | | | | Celtic Then and Now |
| the cross denotes the four directions of | | | | At one time, Celtic people could be |
| the compass, and still others feel it is | | | | found throughout Eastern and Central |
| a representation of human existence - | | | | Europe, as well as in the British Isles, |
| mind, body, soul and heart. | | | | where the earliest examples of Celtic |
| Celtic Knots | | | | jewelry originate. The emergence of the |
| The most distinguishing characteristic | | | | powerful Roman Empire encroached on the |
| of Celtic knots is their intricate | | | | lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of |
| patterns and design...and the debate as | | | | the Celts who were forced to move to |
| to the meaning of those designs. While | | | | abandon their homes and relocate in |
| it is unquestionable that many of the | | | | remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, |
| ancient designs had some significance, | | | | Wales, and Cornwall in southern England. |
| those meanings changed from tribe to | | | | Despite their hardships at the hands of |
| tribe and location to location. | | | | the Romans, Celts endured, thrived...and |
| Many believe that the intricate looping | | | | continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The |
| in knots was a way to keep out evil | | | | tradition has remained strong for |
| spirits. It is also generally accepted | | | | centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and |
| that the looping Celtic knot design | | | | Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a |
| denotes eternity and interconnectedness. | | | | huge resurgence in their homelands and |
| Still, there is no definitive guide as | | | | with "ex-pats" around the world, as |
| to the meaning of Celtic knots which, | | | | people seek to rediscover and celebrate |
| adds, perhaps to their mystery and | | | | their cultural traditions. |
| appeal. | | | | |