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