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Article #221: Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

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[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 tradition. originated, Claddagh rings are beloved
Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic Celtic symbols of Irish culture and
symbols and delicate designs, Celtic sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols,
cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is
beautiful Claddaugh rings have been well-documented. The Claddagh design has
admired and desired for thousands of a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a
years. crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two
Celtic Cross Jewelry hands (signifying friendship). The phrase
One of the most enduring, and coveted that is usually associated with the
"gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love
featuring the Celtic Cross. According to 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 can turned inward to show he/she was "spoken
even represent a halo emanating from for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the
Christ. left hand with the heart turned inward,
Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic it shows that two loves have been joined
Cross represent the elements (fire, 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 found
the compass, and still others feel it is throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as
a representation of human existence - well as in the British Isles, where the
mind, body, soul and heart. earliest examples of Celtic jewelry
Celtic Knots originate. The emergence of the powerful
The most distinguishing characteristic of Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle,
Celtic knots is their intricate patterns traditions, and homeland of the Celts who
and design...and the debate as to the were forced to move to abandon their
meaning of those designs. While it is homes and relocate in remote areas in
unquestionable that many of the ancient Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in
designs had some significance, those southern England.
meanings changed from tribe to tribe and Despite their hardships at the hands of
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 to with "ex-pats" around the world, as
the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, people seek to rediscover and celebrate
perhaps to their mystery and appeal. their cultural traditions.






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