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Article #76: Understanding Celtic Wedding Rings

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Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a deeper meaning behind the design. It's
group of independent tribes spread also easy enough to say that the ring is
throughout much of current day Europe, about how all things are interconnected,
were sophisticated artisans, carving knot but this is so general that it doesn't
work patterns that have inspired modern help explain why we may be attracted to
day jewelers to create wedding rings. the sacred geometry of one ring over
These motifs have meaning. Yet another.
understanding the knot patterns and why To do this, you can contemplate the
they make such ideal wedding rings can be various components that make up the knot
illusive. The ancient motifs are rooted work and try to determine how they are
in mysterious cultures that stretch back functioning. For example, consider the
well before written history. circle. We speak of a circle of friends
Though the earliest written accounts of and live in circular cycles, such as the
the Celts were from Roman descriptions, day and the season. Native cultures
some knot work motifs found in Eastern throughout the world hold ceremonies in
Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. We protective circles. A knot work pattern
know the Celts, similar to Native people with circles or variations of circles
of North America, viewed that the earth certainly has some important keys to
itself as well as all aspects of life and relationships and community. In the
death as divine. They had a large and broadest sense, the ring itself is a
varied pantheon, worshipping local gods. circle, and putting it on has also always
The natural world was considered sacred, been symbolic of sealing a commitment.
and every river, mountain and tree had A square knot motif concerns structure,
its own spirit of place. Rituals were which is why buildings use the shape of a
rooted in a particular oak grove or square foundation. Squares certainly
waterfall. Early Celtic leaders even have an element of stability. Numbers
mocked human-like images of Olympian gods were a significant part Celtic lore, and
or the wild animals of their vale and the number five represented the four
forests. directions and the center point.
Knot work, which has become synonymous Many Celtic rings also deal with vectors
with today's idea of "Celtic" was that travel in a certain direction. If
undoubtedly a form of sacred, artistic you look at the shape of an arrow, it's
expression. Some of the most famous easy to understand why a triangle might
designs were preserved in highly connote movement.
embellished, illuminated manuscripts, Another common Celtic motif is the knot
such as the Book of Kells which somehow work depicting a trinity. Many Celtic
survived the Viking invasions. It was deities had three forms. The Mother
created in the 9th century at a monastery Goddess was understood to the maiden,
off the Scottish coast, and depicts mother and crone. The universe was
wonderfully imaginative images of humans viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld.
and animals embellished with knot work We are born, we live and we die.
motifs, linking medieval Christianity Certainly the trinity knot also
with ancient Druidic culture. illustrates the One being dividing off
In Western culture, there is a long and into the masculine and feminine, or the
venerable tradition of artists that have mother and son--a mystical truth
been inspired by knot work motifs. contemplated in many sacred traditions.
Celtic design was particularly popular in While the above guide for understanding
the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, knot work is not necessarily based on any
Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and scholarly or anthropological text on the
depicted knots in their work. In modern meaning of knots, it does provide a
times, some of Picasso's early art is starting point that is based on a
highly influenced by knot work. And universal perspective. Every Celtic ring
there has always been a group of metal is going to have some variation of these
and visual artists that have kept the shapes. Spending some time contemplating
Celtic fires burning by using the knot the motif may yield some insight.
work patterns in jewelry and other forms Though modern jewelry techniques allow a
of artistic expression. greater range of possibilities than the
For some people, the choice to have a Celts had during the time of the Romans,
Celtic wedding ring is an expression of finding an exceptional Celtic wedding
their wish to connect deeply into their ring at a local jewelry store may not be
own ancestry. They feel empathy with a possible. The best place to search is
European based tribal tradition that on the internet, which has the widest
treats the earth as Mother. It's also selection. Today you can find rings made
easy to fall in love with soulful Celtic with platinum, or white and yellow gold
music and poetry. Others simply want the accented with diamonds. Some of the
one piece of jewelry that they wear every most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where
day to have a beautiful design with the knots are one color, such as white
significance. gold, while the rim of the ring might be
Whether one has Celtic heritage or not, a yellow gold. There is a wide range of
Celtic motif wedding ring is appropriate class and price.
because it has universal, symbolic Your wedding ring is a once in a life
meaning. In the most general sense, the time purchase that you will live with
knots express two different paths woven every day. It must be aesthetically
together. Life itself can be viewed as a beautiful. The knot work on the rings
great web of interconnectedness which is should be well executed. It should have
expressed in the knot work. Even our own some meaning that makes sense for you
spiritual path, metaphorically, can be which should be explained on the website.
viewed as a tapestry of interconnected The best jewelry designers offer
experiences. The Celtic wedding ring is engagement ring sets, along with the
a talisman which reminds us, in physical option of having a wider band for the
form, of our mystic connection with gent and a narrower of the same knot work
another person and the great web of life. motif for the lady. You'll want it
This weave of particular experiences comfort fit, which means that the band
makes us unique, which is why we are tapers slightly toward the center, making
attracted to some knot work patterns on it easy to wear. Since it is very
wedding rings more than others. What likely within the course of a marriage
appeals to you and your fiancé may well that you'll gain or loose twenty pounds,
bring insight to the nature of your it is most advantageous to choose a ring
relationship. Some couples are attracted with a sizing band.
to knot work motifs that are simple and The company you choose should have a
flowing, which perhaps illustrates a record of creditability backed up by
partnership based on harmony and ease. customer service, guaranteeing their
Other knot work designs on wedding rings product. Give them a call and see if
are more dynamic and complicated, they are worthy of doing business with.
suggesting creative elements, or A track record of timely delivery is also
passionate peaks and valleys. essential. It's not uncommon for a ring
Many Celtic merchants will label a from outside the US to be held up by
particular design as "Friendship" or Customs, for example.
"Unity" but often there's not any real Finally, the most important thing is to
basis for these labels. These facile trust your feelings. The rings should be
tags short change the person interested unique and resonate with your own
in the ring by giving a concept instead profound, sacred connection and
of assisting them to understand the commitment to your beloved.






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