Irish jewelry is steeped in Irish tradition and Celtic symbolism. It is full of mysticism and deep spiritual meaning, representing love, life cycles and faith. Irish symbols in Irish jewelry can be traced back directly folklore’s told through the centuries and ancient Celtic manuscript drawings. The popularity of Irish jewelry around the world has really taken off in recent years as many people taken an interest in the deeper meaning of talismans, objects of faith and symbols of life. Irish jewelry isn’t just for the Irish anymore.
The Celtic Tree of Life
The Celtic Tree of Life meaning varies. Rebirth is one of the most popular meanings for the Tree of Life. The belief stems from theory that trees experiences renewal throughout the changing of the seasons. Its leaves fall in autumn and regrow in spring is symbolic of rebirth. Another meaning of the Celtic Tree of Life is that it is also a symbol of wisdom and strength. The most sacred of trees was the oak, called ‘daur’ in Celtic. It is where the modern word ‘door’ is derived. So, the oak tree, literally would have been the door to the other world.
Celtic Cross Meaning
The Celtic cross is a cross with equal rays, enclosed in a circle. The rays can slightly protrude outside the circle. Sometimes a Celtic ornament is located along the cross and in a circle. Although this form of the cross is inherent in many ancient peoples, including the Slavs, the cross in a circle is firmly established in the minds of people as Celtic.
The Christian interpretation of the cross is simple: the circle means eternity and union, and the cross itself means the love and sacrifice. It is difficult to say how the ancient Celts themselves interpreted this symbol: there is no information about this. But historians suggest that the cross as understood by the ancient Celts could symbolize fertility, abundance, and protection. It is also called the solar symbol because its facets suggest the unity of earth, air, sun and water.
Nowadays, the Celtic cross is worn by both Christians and pagans: it is not tied to a particular religion, and different denominations perceive it as a symbol of their spiritual views.
Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh Ring is a legendary jewelry item that epitomizes timeless values. The legacy design cues hands on either side of a heart and a crown on top. The classic Claddagh ring shows the wearer’s family situation. Thus, a heart looking out the fingertips means you are single, whereas this element pointing towards the wrist means that the owner is taken. Claddagh rings symbolize friendship, love and loyalty.
Today, this ring has a huge number of design variations, but the main three elements have remained intact. This jewelry item is presented to girls and women as a symbol of companionship or as a Claddagh engagement ring.
Trinity Knot also Known as the Irish Love Knot
The Celtic love knot is a modern-day Irish tradition. Also know as the trinity knot, it is a religious symbol with both pagan and Christians heritage. In Celtic mythology, knots especially Celtic love knots symbolize the sacred geometry of the universe and being. It is customary to give a loved one a gift with the trinity knot, or Celtic Love Knot, like a necklace or ring, to embody feelings of love.
Celtic Sisters Knot
The Celtic Sisters Knot is a symbol of sisterhood and the strong, eternal bond we share with our sisters and friends. … The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, a sister symbol woven within the Celtic Sisters Knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman.
Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, lifelong bond of friendship between women with a symbol for sisters. One day we will all be in some part of all 3 stages of life. First, the youth of our childhood. Second, the mothering spirit of our years. Third, our wisdom that we pass on to the new generation of women. We may not all be related, but we all share a bond of love, compassion, and perseverance. There are few symbols for sisters like the Celtic Sisters Knot that captive the soul and beauty of sisterhood.