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