| The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric | | | | Tradition states that if you are spoken to you |
| times when they emerged as a group of loosely | | | | should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing |
| knit tribes with a common culture and language. | | | | inward but if you are unattached it should be |
| Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the | | | | worn facing outward on the right hand. |
| Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was | | | | Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can |
| the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose | | | | symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or |
| the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic | | | | the four elements - earth wind and fire. They are |
| tribes and would lead to them being overrun, | | | | equal armed crosses which are enclosed or |
| expelled from their territories and being pushed | | | | backed by a circle. Following the introduction of |
| back to the western fringes of the continent. | | | | Christianity, it became more common to see |
| Although the ancient Celts flourished across | | | | Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, |
| Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have | | | | which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic |
| been most preserved. | | | | crosses are often worn as jewellery such as rings |
| One aspect of this culture that still survives today | | | | or on chains around the neck. |
| is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in | | | | Geometric designs have always feature |
| jewellery such as celtic wedding rings. | | | | prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, |
| Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic | | | | chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these |
| often being based on nature using images of birds | | | | patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings |
| and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in | | | | or ancient manuscripts and religious books. |
| the interconnectedness of all life and produced the | | | | The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single |
| familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns | | | | spiral generally thought to signify growth |
| with no beginning and no end. | | | | expansion and cosmic energy. |
| Although perhaps the true significance of these | | | | The dual centred spiral found often on stone |
| patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic | | | | carvings signifies duality and nature and is |
| designs remain increasingly popular in our modern | | | | associated with motifs from other cultures such |
| world. | | | | as the Ying Yang symbol. |
| The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and | | | | Celtic knot work designs remain popular today |
| friendship and is thought to have originated from | | | | and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to |
| Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th | | | | complex intricate interlaced patterns. |
| century since when has been worn by many as a | | | | Although the symbolism of celtic designs may |
| wedding ring and as a symbol of love. | | | | have been lost, many of the designs remain |
| The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as | | | | popular today and will often be seen used in the |
| a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity | | | | design of jewellery and in particular Celtic Wedding |
| or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. | | | | rings. |