9 Random Facts about Irish Jewelry and Celtic Culture
The word “Celtic” is used to describe the way of the life people in Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Mann. However, during the Iron Age, they were regarded to be the first inhabitants of Europe. Some people believed that they were a tribe of people with no organized language and writing. Thus, there are only a few written records of their culture and heritage. However, despite this “disability” the Celtic tradition and culture has managed to survive as everything was passed on through word of mouth from generation to generations.
They were a tribal society usually subdivided in three groups of people:
• Warriors and aristocrats – in charge of expansion through conquering and maintenance of peace
• The intellectuals – the teachers, poets and scholars
• Commoners – tasked to supply the other needs of the society like goods and labor
Several writings also describe them to be tradesmen, they make a living by trading their goods and crafts to neighboring tribes. Celts were known to be expert smiths that forged weapons and exquisite jewelry. Their religion was predominantly polytheistic until they embraced the Christian faith more than two thousand years ago.
Despite their change in religion, their traditional symbols has managed to withstand change and emerge in the modern world. Their knots and spirals are evidently seen in Celtic crosses and interiors of places of worship. Celtic symbols are unique and they come in different forms and designs. Most of these symbols are known to share a common factor, the illusion of infinity.
They are drawn without depicting the beginning and the end. They were said to be tributes to their old Gods and Deities that they carved in their personal belongings like shields, armors, swords and sometimes draw on their body.
These Celtic symbols are the same reasons why more and more people are taking interest in Irish jewelry. The Celtic emblems now adorn modern jewelry like earrings, bracelets, brooches, bangles and pendants.
Here are more random information that you may want to know about Celtic culture, jewelry and art.
1. Celtic jewelry is usually decorated with three symbols: the Triquetra, Celtic Knot and Claddagh. Each symbol is supposed to have its own meaning.
• Triquetra is a knot shaped like a triangle. It is also referred to as the Trinity Knot that represents three – fold dimension of anything under the sun. It can be the past, present and future. For matriarchal societies it can be the grandmother, mother and daughter.
• Celtic knot embodies eternity and the crossing of people in each other’s life.
• The Claddagh on the other hand is composed of three more symbols: the hand for friendship, the heart for love and the crown for loyalty. This ring was initially given as a sign of friendship or devotion to marriage.
2. In the early days, the meaning of the Claddagh ring depends on where and how it is worn.
• If worn on the left hand, with the heart facing outwards, it means that the wearer is engaged. However, if it is turned inwards, he is already married.
• If worn on the right hand, with the heart facing outwards that signifies that the person wearing it is in search of love. If the heart is facing inwards, his heart has already been captured or he is currently in a romantic relationship.
3. The most famous pieces of jewelry are:
• Engagement rings and wedding bands - made more special by the precious stones like diamonds, emeralds and rubies set at the center.
• Celtic pendants whose designs are variations of the traditional symbols or shapes related to Irish culture like a shamrock or the Saint Bridget’s cross.
• Celtic cross pendants – a cross with patterns of interlaced knots in the middle.
4. Celtic crosses usually have a circle around the intersection. It is said to be a sign of the Norse god Odin, the sun god. It was combined with the Latin cross to ease the transition of the Celts from polytheism to Christianity. The other curves and interlacing pattern were added for aesthetic value.
5. Just like the traditional Celtic wedding band, the horse shoe is a vital element of a wedding ceremony. Throughout the century, an Irish bride has kept a horse shoe tucked in her dress for good luck in her married life.
6. Celtic rings or jewelry in general does not cost as much as traditional jewelry in the market. If you are on a tight budget. Some jewelers make the rings in three metal bases: silver, gold and platinum. Silver may be the best option if you are a little short on money. Check your options, you may even find a seller that can replace a diamond with a Swarovski crystal for a cheaper price.
7. When choosing the perfect engagement ring or wedding band, the fit of the ring is a very important factor. The ring should snugly fit the finger to prevent it from falling of. If you are ordering the jewelry online, you may want to measure your finger by wrapping a piece of paper or string on it. Then you can check the US standard ring sizes available on the Internet or your local jeweler.
8. Celtic jewelry can be given on any occasions. Although it is true that the designs of the jewelry focus more on love and commitment, there are appropriate pieces for different holidays. Bracelets adorned with birthstones are perfect during birthdays or Mother’s Day. A shamrock pendant will also be an appropriate gift during St. Patrick’s Day.
9. Today Celtic jewelry can be found almost every where. You do not have to have an Irish decent to enjoy these beauties. There are on line stores that enable anybody from any part of the world get a hold of a priced piece. Some even offer services like personalization through engraving the name of the recipient at the side of the rings or at the back of a pendant.
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