| Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a group of | | | | Eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. |
| independent tribes spread throughout much of | | | | We know the Celts, similar to Native people |
| current day Europe, were sophisticated | | | | of North America, viewed that the earth |
| artisans, carving knot work patterns that | | | | itself as well as all aspects of life and |
| have inspired modern day jewelers to create | | | | death as divine. They had a large and varied |
| wedding rings. These motifs have meaning. | | | | pantheon, worshipping local gods. The |
| Yet understanding the knot patterns and why | | | | natural world was considered sacred, and |
| they make such ideal wedding rings can be | | | | every river, mountain and tree had its own |
| illusive. The ancient motifs are rooted in | | | | spirit of place. Rituals were rooted in a |
| mysterious cultures that stretch back well | | | | particular oak grove or waterfall. Early |
| before written history.Though the earliest | | | | Celtic leaders even mocked human-like images |
| written accounts of the Celts were from Roman | | | | of Olympian gods or the wild animals of their |
| descriptions, some knot work motifs found in | | | | vale and forests. |