| Celtic jewelry is far more than simply decoration, | | | | The knot work is meant to express the |
| despite its artistry and its beauty. The common | | | | interconnectedness of all things, and the |
| symbols found on Celtic jewelry designs are | | | | endlessness of God's own love. Knot work adds |
| ancient, and their meanings and histories are | | | | real beauty to the Book of Kells, with its depth of |
| profound. By learning about the significance of | | | | design, and its hypnotic, curving lines. It also adds |
| Celtic symbols, you can enjoy a greater | | | | beauty to modern Celtic jewelry designs, bringing |
| understanding of the rich cultural traditions of your | | | | great dimension and visual interest. |
| ancestors. | | | | Not every symbol found on men's Celtic wedding |
| If you are considering a Celtic wedding band, you | | | | rings dates back to the Insular Art movement. |
| may be captivated by the timeless quality of the | | | | Some newer symbols emerged, as Ireland's |
| spirals, whorls, knots, and other symbols you | | | | strong storytelling tradition brought new tales to |
| come across. While some meanings remain lost in | | | | the people. One of the most romantic, charming |
| the mists of time, there are many beautiful | | | | stories of Irish culture is the Claddagh story. This |
| stories associated with Celtic symbols, some | | | | romantic tale has led to the newer symbols you |
| dating back to the Druids, and the Pagan rituals | | | | will find on an Irish Claddagh Wedding Ring. The |
| that were practiced in Celtic lands before the | | | | Claddagh Ring may seem more familiar to you, as |
| conversion to Christ. | | | | many celebrities, such as actors, politicians, and |
| Since the end of Pagan times, Christianity has | | | | musicians, wear it, and it remains a popular choice |
| been a focal point of Celtic symbolism. The classic, | | | | for a men's wedding ring. |
| Celtic Cross, with its ringed center, was thought | | | | The story of the Claddagh is quite simple, but it is |
| to derive from Pagan sun worship, but the | | | | genuinely touching. When an Irish fisherman, |
| symbol evolved, and it became a way to express | | | | Robert Bruce, was kidnapped, far from his native |
| the idea of eternity. The ringed cross is just one | | | | land, he was forced to toil in a goldsmith's shop, |
| popular symbol in Celtic tradition. | | | | far from the woman he left behind. He never lost |
| Another facet of Celtic symbolism is the spiral, or | | | | faith in their love, and he fashioned a special ring, |
| whorl, with its distinctive, curving lines. Each circular | | | | featuring two tiny hands clasping a crowned heart, |
| spiral is thought to represent the journey through | | | | to show his faithfulness and his undying adoration |
| life, and the spiritual growth that a person will | | | | of her. |
| accumulate over the course of a lifetime. You will | | | | Choosing a classic Irish Claddagh Ring for your |
| find ancient Celtic art treasures that feature these | | | | own wedding band still references the symbols of |
| whorls, often in the form of borders. | | | | the past, but in a more whimsical way. Whether |
| Groups of spirals are a common feature of many | | | | you choose ancient symbols of eternity and faith, |
| of the great masterpieces produced by Celtic | | | | or the more modern romantic symbols of the |
| artisans during the Insular Art period. The Insular | | | | Claddagh, you will still be wearing a piece of |
| Art period was a profoundly creative time for the | | | | history. You will find that your Celtic wedding band |
| master metalworkers and artists of Ireland, | | | | becomes a part of you, just as your ancestry will |
| Scotland, and Wales. During this period, Irish art | | | | always be a part of you. For an event as |
| treasures such as the Book of Kells, and the silver | | | | powerful and symbolic as a wedding ceremony, |
| and gold Ardagh Chalice, were created, and they | | | | the classic symbols of the Celtic people are |
| still captivate the world, with their intricate, ornate | | | | uniquely appropriate. |
| beauty. | | | | As you search for the perfect Irish wedding band, |
| Beyond Celtic Crosses and spirals and whorls, | | | | you can reference these symbols and stories, in |
| knot work is one of the most prevalent symbols | | | | order to gain a deeper understanding of the |
| you may find on a Celtic wedding band. Knot | | | | values and beliefs of your own people, throughout |
| work is an exquisite feature on the richly designed | | | | history. And you can share the touching symbols |
| pages of the Book of Kells, an illuminated text | | | | of love and loyalty with your bride, perhaps |
| depicting the word of God. | | | | choosing a Celtic wedding band for her, as well. |