Celtic Holidays, Interesting Stories, Irish Christmas, Irish Jewelry, Irish Traditions

Best Creative Irish Gifts for Christmas

THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

On Christmas morning, if you want to see a sparkle in her eye, consider giving her something that is glittering that you put beneath the tree. Whether you’re shopping for your wife, girlfriend, mother, daughter, or sister, or any other lady in your life, Irish jewelry makes a stunning Christmas present. The traditional motifs used in Celtic art are full of both symbolism and significance. They are not only stunning to look at, but they also convey something. What do you want to hear from her this time around?

Presents That Will Melt Her Heart

Regardless of whether this is your first Christmas as a couple or if you’ve been together for so many years that you’d have to stop and count them, jewelry makes for a beautiful and thoughtful gift. The following are some of our preferred expressions for the many types of connections.

Our Celtic Love Knot Diamond Bar Pendant is a slender beauty. This sparkling diamond pendant is trendy and makes the style grade with high marks. Created in sterling silver with a rose gold plated Celtic knot, this linear drop pendant is completely outlined with shimmering diamond accents that catch the eye. Simple and sophisticated, this pendant is brilliant Irish beauty.

Our Rose Gold Trinity Knot Necklace in beautiful 14k rose gold pays homage to the design’s ancient Celtic roots. Among other natural trios, the ancient Celts believed that the triquetra, or three-leaf design, represented the past, present, and future. The Holy Trinity is also represented by the Trinity Knot. Give her this lovely Rose Gold Trinity Knot Necklace as a gift she’ll treasure.

Our Claddagh Love Lock Necklace is a stunning Irish beauty. Perfect for that Irish lassie who holds the key to your Celtic heart. Crafted in sterling silver with rose gold plating, this meaningful Claddagh lock design features a cable chain necklace with a shamrock key charm. The Claddagh is a symbol of friendship, love, and loyalty. It’s a meaningful look she’ll treasure forever.

Traditional Irish Jewelry For Your Mother

Even if your mother may insist that the only thing she needs for Christmas is your love, you should still look for a present that conveys your feelings of affection for her.

The unshakable bond that exists between a mother and her child is symbolized by our Rose Gold & Silver Mothers Claddagh Necklace. There are no words to describe a mother’s devotion to her children. She has high hopes for her children and waits patiently to see them succeed. She is there to see their ascent and to catch them as they fall. Despite the fact that she’s not perfect, you can count on her to be there for you whenever you need her. The mother she is is a great woman who adores her kids. Give her a Rose Gold & Silver Mothers’ Claddagh Necklace as a token of your appreciation. The Rose Gold and Silver Mothers Claddagh Necklace’s Meaning Explained.

If you know a mother or a mother-to-be, these Celtic Mothers Knot Heart Earrings are a wonderful present. An understated artistic holy trinity with an embrace between a mother and child honors the Madonna and child. Set in a heart, the Celtic Mothers Knot Heart Earrings epitomize the unbreakable link between mother and child. We love these Celtic Mothers Knot Heart Earrings because they’re such a lovely representation of motherhood and family.

Give Your Daughter the Present of Her Ancestry

She will always be your little girl, and you know that she may discover both her beauty and her strength by honoring the place where she came from.

This precious Irish guardian angel pendant is a celebration of all things Irish. Your Irish Guardian Angel Pendant will always be watching over you when you look upon this heavenly angel. May this adorable Irish angel bring a bit of Irish luck to all who wear her and a touch of joy to their hearts!

Our little Irish Devil Shamrock Earrings are a whimsical celebration of the little bit of harmless mischievousness in every Irish woman. These nontraditional shamrocks are bright emerald green accented with little devil horns and curly pointed tails creating a wonderfully eye-catching design worthy enough to be called Irish. Whether she’s been naughty or nice you adore her and she’s sure to adore these brilliant Lil’ Irish Devil Earrings!

Stunning Presents for Sisters & Friends

Some of them are your sisters by birth, while others are members of your chosen family. Both are extremely valuable, and regardless of how close or far away they are, we have relied heavily on them throughout this year.

Our Celtic Sisters Knot bracelet is absolutely gorgeous. The Sisters Knot Celtic heart is a symbol of sisterhood and the strong, eternal bond we share with our sisters and friends. The intricate Celtic knot heart is an unbroken line symbolic of everlasting love and sisterhood. The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, woven within the Celtic knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman. The three stages of woman are maid, mother and wise woman. Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, life long bond of friendship between women with our Sisters Knot bracelet.

Our Celtic Friendship Knot Earrings is a magnificent tribute to the spirit of true friendship. With its intertwined endless lines, the Celtic Friendship Knot represents the relentless bond between kindred souls. True friendship knows no barriers and no end. A spiritual bond forever growing separately but never apart.

It’s possible that the stories her grandparents told her about their experiences in Ireland inspired her love of the country, or maybe it was her discovery of Irish dancing. It’s possible that she had a life-changing experience in the Emerald Isle that led to her falling in love with the place. No matter how it began, if she has a deep affection for Ireland, she would be thrilled to see some Irish jewelry beneath the tree this year.

Interesting Stories, Irish Christmas, Irish New Year Traditions, Irish Traditions, Travel Ireland

Newgrange: Winter Solstice and Celtic Spirals

Among the passage tombs and megalithic structures that may be discovered at Bru Na Boinne, which is a holy site located in County Meath along the banks of the River Boyne, Newgrange is the most significant one. The monument is located on a small hill on a bend in the river approximately five miles inland from the ancient Norman city of Drogheda and a couple of miles upstream from the site of the Battle of the Boyne. Both of these locations are roughly the same distance from the mouth of the river.

Is it True that Newgrange Predates the Pyramids of Giza?

Yes. Since it was constructed circa 3,200 BC, Newgrange is older than the Great Pyramid of Giza and is also older than Stonehenge by around one thousand years. When we take into account that it was built during the Stone Age, when metal had not yet been found in Ireland, the building is an impressive accomplishment.

Who exactly constructed Newgrange remains a mystery to historians. There is no way that it was constructed by the Celts since the first known arrival of Celtic tribes to Ireland was not until about the year 500 B.C., some 2,700 years after the structure was constructed.

In the year 1699, the local landowner Charles Campbell gave instructions to his laborers to remove stones from the mound, and as a result, they found the entrance to the passage tomb while doing so.

Who was laid to rest at the Newgrange burial site?

It is stated that the Tuatha Dé Danann were the people that controlled Ireland back in ancient times. It is also said that they were the ones who constructed Newgrange as a burial site for their ruler, Dagda Mór, and his three sons. It is common practice to refer to one of his sons, whose name is Aonghus, as Aonghus of the Brugh.

Why was Newgrange built in the first place?

In spite of the fact that Newgrange was at one time thought of as a passage tomb, more recent research has shown that it was really a monument whose objective, which did involve the act of interring the dead, was far more important and widespread.

What kind of discoveries were made at Newgrange?

The majority of the bodies that were buried in those tombs had been cremated. Excavators working at Newgrange in the 1970s discovered the uncharred remains of a man, identified as NG10, is a niche inside the structure that was embellished with stones that had been intricately carved. DNA was successfully extracted by Cassidy and her co-authors from the petrous bone of NG10, which is a dense component of the inner ear.

Did Celts construct Newgrange?

When you take into account that it was built during the Stone Age, when metal wasn’t even known to exist in Ireland, you have an impressive accomplishment on your hands. About the people who erected Newgrange, little is known. There is no way that it was constructed by the Celts since the first evidence of Celtic tribes in Ireland does not appear until approximately 500 BC, which is some 2,700 years later!

Newgrange Contains a Decoration Based on a Celtic Spiral

The base of the mound is encircled by ninety-seven big rocks that are known as kerbstones. Many of these kerbstones are lavishly ornamented with sculptures that have been etched into the stones. Circles, spirals, arcs, chevrons, and lozenges are some of the more typical motifs that are employed. However, a broad variety of patterns are used. It is speculated that these recurring geometric patterns have some kind of symbolic meaning. Regardless of what significance these designs may have had in the past, they continue to serve as outstanding examples of Neolithic art in Ireland.

NEWGRANGE SWIRL RING SILVER 10K GOLD

What was the Carving Technique Used at Newgrange?

The kerbstone that serves as Newgrange’s entry is the one that has the most elaborate ornamentation. The pattern is centered on a massive triple helix that is encircled by many smaller spirals as well as lozenges. The carvings, according to the opinions of the specialists, were created utilizing two distinct methods. In the beginning, a sharp stone or flint was used to carve out the groove in a crude fashion. The pattern was then refined using a pebble, which was used to make it deeper and smoother. This is how intricate patterns were cut into the stone using this method.

The sculptures at Newgrange served as inspiration for our extensive collection of handcrafted Celtic Spiral Wedding bands, which can be purchased on our website at TheIrishJewelryCompany.com.

The winter landscape of sun shines through the branches of frozen trees against the surface of the frozen lake. Winter solstice.

Newgrange’s Celebration of the Winter Solstice

Professor Micheal O’Kelly, an archaeology professor at University College Cork, oversaw the excavation of Newgrange from 1962 to 1975. He was in charge of the project during its whole. 

Local residents would inform the professor in the early years of the dig that at some moments, even the deepest depths of the chamber would be illuminated by light from the rising sun. This was something that would happen at particular periods. 

A hunch led the professor to visit the chamber on the morning of the winter solstice, which occurred on December 21, 1967. He was astounded to see the dawn light begin to enter the passageway and travel inwards, “lighting up everything as it came until the whole chamber – side recesses, floor, and roof six meters above the floor – were all obviously illuminated.” 

At Newgrange, he was the first human to see the winter solstice since the site was first inhabited thousands of years ago.

The winter solstice heralded the beginning of a new year and represented fertility and rebirth for the people who constructed Newgrange. This event took place on the 21st of December. 

Not only was Newgrange used as a cemetery, but it was also an important ritual location for the people who lived in the vicinity.

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Celtic Holidays, Celtic Jewelry, Claddagh Rings, Irish Christmas, Irish Jewelry

Friendship, Love & Loyalty – A Claddagh Gift Guide

The countdown to Christmas morning has begun! We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about Claddagh Jewelry exclusively designed in our studio. For your convenience, I’ve compiled a quick and concise Claddagh gift guide of our most popular Claddagh Designs to make your shopping experience as stress-free as possible.

The Claddagh, with its magnificent symbolism and distinctively Irish design, is consistently at the top of our list of the most popular Irish jewelry designs we sell. Giving a stunning piece of Claddagh Jewelry from The Irish Jewelry Company is not difficult; the only difficult part is limiting it down to just one item!

When in doubt, though, we generally advise our customers to keep things simple keeping the recipient in mind and staying with their personal style.

Whether it’s a last-minute gift-giving option, or something on their list they have hinted about we’ve got a wide selection of Claddagh styles that’s sure to satisfy every loved one on your Christmas shopping list. Check out the styles below that have proven to be popular throughout the years, as well as a few of new ones, all of which are excellent for gifting this holiday season.

A Claddagh Ring for that Special Someone

In Irish culture, the Claddagh ring is considered to be a proud cultural symbol.
An incredible amount of people, Irish and non Irish all over the world wear or have been given a Claddagh ring by a close friend or family member to commemorate a variety of important occasions including romantic ones. This Irish vow of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship is perfect Christmas or for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, a birthday, or just because.

We have a large selection of Claddagh Rings for him and for her. Our collection of Claddagh Rings for men is wide – ranging. These stunning and sturdy Silver Claddagh Rings are among our best-selling items each year, and he will be impressed when he opens the box.

Choosing the right Claddagh Necklace Design

Maybe a Claddagh Pendant would be an excellent holiday present for them this year.
Claddagh Pendants are usually a popular option since there is a style to fit everyone’s taste in our collection. Our Claddagh Necklaces are inspired by Ireland and are masterfully created by our team of artisans. Owning a Sterling Silver Claddagh Necklace allows anyone to carry a bit of Ireland near to their hearts, and it is a favorite holiday gift choice for many people. We have a huge variety of Claddagh Necklace designs, like our Mother Claddagh Necklace and our Family Birthstone Claddagh Necklace, are available for purchase, making them ideal gifts for any mother or grandmother. When it comes to individuals who want a more trendy design that incorporates a variety of metals, our assortment of Silver and Gold Claddagh Pendants, such as our Claddagh Love Lock, or our Celtic Couples Claddagh Pendant will go with any outfit you choose.

Claddagh Earrings are Perfect for Anyone

A pair of our Claddagh Earrings will be a treasured addition to the jewelry collection of anybody who enjoys accessorizing with beautiful jewelry. Claddagh Earrings come in a variety of styles such as Claddagh Studs and Claddagh Dangle Earrings in a variety of Claddagh Earring Designs similar to our Claddagh Necklaces. Often our Silver Claddagh Necklaces have matching Silver Claddagh Earrings.

Celtic Holidays, Irish Christmas

Gift Guide 2021 – Best Holiday Gift Ideas

The Irish Jewelry Company Holiday Shopping Guide

The Irish Jewelry Company 2021 holiday gift guide aims to make Christmas shopping personal, thoughtful, and more than a little memorable. Find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list in 2021, no matter your budget and enjoy free gift wrapping and free shipping order orders over $150.

Whatever the occasion, there’s no denying that the important someone in your life deserves only the finest. However, when it comes to finding the right Christmas present for her or him — whether it’s for your wife or husband, girlfriend, mother, sister, best friend, or teen daughter or son — it can be tough to locate something that is as unique as they are. These unique treasures of legacy and significance for everyone come into play at the right moment. We have the greatest presents for every person in your life, whether you’re showering them with love on their birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or another significant milestone. Browse our selection today.

Explore our list to discover one-of-a-kind presents that they are sure to appreciate, including everything from the traditional Claddagh Ring, which adds a romantic touch, to trendy styles that will make her feel like a queen, such as our diamond Celtic jewelry. To meet all your holiday buying demands, we’ve gathered a multitude of choices, including presents for the trend setter in your life as well as gifts for that special someone who deserves to know how much you care.

Finding the perfect gift can be tricky but The Irish Jewelry Company’s family of brands makes it a lot easier.

Celestial Necklace & Earrings

$89.99 each

If she’s obsessed with the night sky and stars, she’ll love this sterling silver Celtic jewelry. It is the perfect gift for any shining star in your life.

Celtic Star Pendant

Celtic Star Earrings

Motherhood Knot Jewelry

$99.99

Whether she is a new mom or a seasoned mum, our Two-Tone Celtic Mothers Knot Necklace is a wonderful present to give to her. As a modestly stylized holy triad, the Celtic Mothers Knot Necklace depicts the Madonna and infant in an embrace.

Two Tone Celtic Mothers Knot Necklace

Two Tone Celtic Mothers Knot Earrings

Two Tone Celtic Mothers Knot Cross Necklace

Shop all motherhood jewelry.

Unique Claddagh Rings

$279.99

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. Claddagh Rings have become a world-renowned symbol of love.

Stacking Boho Diamond Emerald Claddagh Ring Set

Stacking Boho .25ct Diamond Claddagh Ring Set

Shop all Claddagh Ring styles.

Gifts for Him – Men’s Celtic Jewelry

$99.99 – $119.99

Find the perfect gift for the man in your life, no matter what their interests or what your budget looks like. From or Men’s Celtic Cross Necklaces to our Men’s Claddagh Necklace these gifts are both stylish and powerful.

Mens Celtic Jewelry

Ear Crawlers & Interchangeable Earrings

Stocking stuffers have a reputation for being adorable but ultimately useless. These modest tokens of appreciation call into question that notion.

Thoughtful gifts to give grandma

Grandma is the glue in your life who you know always has your back. Show grandma who much she is loved with our Birthstone Family Claddagh Necklace as a gift.

Thoughtful gifts for your wife

As a husband, you don’t need to go overboard in order to show your wife how much you care. Our Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

Last minute gifts under $50

Even a simple and practical accessory like a Celtic Keychain or Irish Keychain will make anyone co-worker, hostess or member of family happy.

Celtic Holidays, Ireland, Irish Christmas, Irish Traditions

The Day Of The Wren Known as St Stephen’s Day

Straw Boys

One of Ireland’s unique and darker traditions, celebrated on December 26th, relates to killing a small bird in revenge for betraying St Stephen.
“Hunting the Wren” is an Irish tradition that is believed to pre-date Christian times. It sounds pretty cruel, where basically the tiny bird is captured, killed and tied to a pole. Local musicians and dancers would then dress in garish disguises and go house to house collecting money, food and drink for a party. Woe betide the house that did not donate to the cause – the wren could be buried outside their door which would bring 12 months of bad luck!

St Stephen


King of the Birds or Traitor of Saints??
The wren is considered the ‘King of the Birds’ and is also associated with the old year. It was said that capturing the bird alive would herald in a new and prosperous year. As the king of the birds the wren occupied a prominent position in the druidic pagan religion. Sailors and fishermen believed that those who possessed a wren feather would never be shipwrecked.

Legend has it that the wren was a small feathered traitor, but legend cannot agree if this dubious reputation was earned by betraying a saint’s hiding place, ruining a secret attack by Irish warriors or by being a fairy seductress – all intriguing in their own right.
One version of the story tells that St Stephen was hiding in a bush from his enemies, only for his hiding to be revealed by the chattering of a wren. Another maintains that in the 700s during the Viking troubles, when Irish warriors crept up on the Danes to attack, a little wren beat out a warning by picking crumbs from the drum held by a sleeping Viking. And lastly, there was a fairy woman called Cliona was in the habit of luring local men to a watery grave. She had the power to turn herself into, you’ve guessed it, a wren.

the wren

An Irish St. Stephen’s Day Tradition
The feast of St. Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr, is celebrated on December 26th. Connecting the Wren Boys ritual (Lá an Dreoilín) as the day when the traitor wren betrayed St. Stephen is a good example of how Ireland’s pagan traditions were merged with Christianity (it also happened with St Brigid)

The Wren, the Wren the king of all birds,
St. Stephens’s day, he was caught in the furze.
Although he is little, his honour is great,
Rise up, kind sir, and give us a trate.

We followed this Wren ten miles or more
Through hedges and ditches and heaps of snow,
We up with our wattles and gave him a fall
And brought him here to show you all.

For we are the boys that came your way
To bury the Wren on Saint Stephens’s Day,
So up with the kettle and down with the pan!
Give us some help for to bury the Wren!

Modern Revival
Nowadays, a more humane Wren Boys is still practiced in mainly rural areas, they don’t kill the wren anymore, thank goodness. The tradition consists of “hunting” a fake wren, and putting it on top of a decorated pole. Crowds of mummers or straw boys celebrate the wren by dressing up in masks, straw suits and colorful motley clothing and, accompanied by céilí music bands, parade through the towns and villages. A celebration is still held around the decorated pole and the money that is collected from the townspeople is now donated to a school or charity.

Cautionary word of warning to all wrens – a wren’s feather is still thought to bring good luck, so maybe lie low around Christmas time…

Shop Irish at The Irish Jewelry Company and learn more about Irish traditions.

Celtic Holidays, Celtic Jewelry, Ireland, Irish Christmas, Irish Jewelry

Irish Christmas Gift Guide

Shop fabulous Irish Christmas Gifts from The Irish Jewelry Company

The Christmas Season in Ireland is a special time to celebrate faith and show our loved ones at home and afar how much you care. Celebrate the Christmas season in style with our stunning range of Irish Christmas gifts and Irish Jewelry for Christmas at The Irish Jewelry Company. Surprise delighted friends and family with an Irish Christmas Gift of quality and distinction delivered directly to their door anywhere in the world.

Irish Christmas Ornaments & Irish Christmas Gifts

Treat yourself or a loved one to a beautiful Irish Christmas gift this Christmas. Whether home or abroad we can deliver the perfect Irish Christmas gift worldwide. They offer an extensive range of Irish Christmas ornaments, nativity sets, Irish angel figurines & much much more.

Irish Christmas Gifts and Traditions

Like most countries, Ireland has many of it’s own special Irish Christmas traditions. Ireland’s Christmas traditions that have survived to modern times are steeped in Celtic culture and religious faith. Irish Christmas Traditions like placing a candle in the window, having Christmas Plum Pudding or placing holiday crackers a small Irish Christmas Gift at each placing at the Christmas table are traditions still carried on today.

Last Minute Irish Stocking Stuffers and unique little Irish gifts for all the stockings you need to stuff this Christmas! Tiny Irish Gifts, cute enough to impress but not break the bank.

Mens Claddagh Necklace

Christmas is a special time to celebrate and show that special loved one at home and afar how much you appreciate and love them. What better little gift than a peice of jewelry in someone specials stocking. Celebrate the Christmas season in style with our stunning range of Irish Jewelry Christmas gifts and Celtic Jewelry for Christmas at The Irish Jewelry Company.

Surprise delighted friends and family with an Irish Christmas Gift of quality authentic Irish jewelry delivered directly to their door anywhere in the world.

Irish or not, if you want to give an Irish Gift for Christmas as a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring or Clodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by two hands symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world renowned symbol of love.

Celtic Holidays, Celtic Jewelry, Irish Christmas, Irish Jewelry, Irish Traditions

Carry On Celtic Tradition. Give traditional Celtic jewelry steeped in symbolism and meaning.

 give traditional Celtic symbols and their meanings

claddagh jewelry xmas 2

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Story….. A short history of the Claddagh ring. Long ago a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return and to his joy he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh ring.

Trinity Knot

The Trinity knot also known as the triquetra is a continuous interweaving triple knot symbolism no beginning or ending. The Celts believe the number three was sacred such as the three stages of life, the three elements; earth, sky and sea and three stages of time  being past present and future.  Later the Christians adopted the symbol to represent the Holy Trinity. In modern times the Trinity knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot.

Wild Irish Rose

The Wild Irish Rose is a celebration of the sturdy, self-reliant and gorgeous Irish women past, present and future.

Like the song says….. “My Wild Irish Rose, The sweetest flower that grows. You may search everywhere, But none can compare with My Wild Irish Rose

Excerpt from the song My Wild Irish Rose written by Chauncey Olcott.

Tree of Life

The sacred tree or Tree of Life was a central part of early Celtic spirituality. The sacred Tree of Life represented the fruitfulness of the earth, evoking spiritual growth and rebirth. Trees provided the Celts with a source for basic sustenance. Without trees, life for the Celts would have been difficult. The Celts believed the Tree of Life was rooted in the heart of the earth and that it drank the sacred waters of life. The Tree of Life stretched its branches into the heavens bridging earthly and celestial powers. Every Celtic tribe had its own sacred tree as a symbol of sovereignty, sacred wisdom and spiritual growth.

Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross is viewed as a symbol of faith synonymous with the Irish culture. Legend also says St. Patrick, while preaching Christianity drew a cross through a Celtic circle symbolic of the moon Goddess. Hence the Celtic cross was born. Today the circle of the cross is viewed as a of God’s endless love.


Shamrock

The shamrock is the traditional symbol or Ireland. The shamrock forms a triad and the Celts believed three was a mystical number. Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy Trinity to the Celts. If good things come in threes then this silver 3-leafed shamrock pendant in beautiful emerald green is definitely a good thing.

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 intricate Celtic knot heart or sisters knot is an unbroken line symbolic of an everlasting love. The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, woven within the Celtic knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman. The three stages of woman are maid, mother and wise woman. Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, life long bond of friendship between women with our Sisters Knot.


Celtic Knot

A Celtic knot is a stylized representation of an endless knot used for decoration by the Celts. There are eight basic types of knots. They have no religious or philosophical meaning other then representing the endless intricacy of humanity and nature. Spirals are the earliest decorative motif of the Celts and the first to disappear. Death and rebirth is the symbolism in the ever changing directional flow of the spiral.

Triskele

The triple spiral design of the triskele is associated with the Celts of Ireland and can be seen on the ancient site of Newgrange, in County Meath. Dating from 3200 BC, before the arrival of the Celts in Ireland, Newgrange contains carvings of the beautiful triple spiral design. Today the triskele is still used in Irish craft as a symbol with enduring meaning and beauty.

Interesting Stories, Irish Christmas, Irish Traditions

Irish Christmas Traditions

irish christmas traditions

Ireland is a magical country, filled with old Irish traditions and folklore dating back many years. Christmas in Ireland is an especially magical time of year. Many Irish Christmas traditions have become part of the Christmas celebration of many nationalities and have made their way into main stream American Christmas customs.

In Ireland the Irish people say “Nollaig Shona Duit” pronounced NO-Lihg HO-nuh ghwich. This Irish Christmas greeting literally translates to Happy Christmas.

What is Irish Christmas plum pudding ?

One beloved Irish Christmas tradition is that of the Christmas plum pudding. The traditional Irish Christmas plum pudding has had humble beginnings. Plum pudding was originally a porridge flavored with scraps of leftover meat or fish, thickened with bread crumbs and bound together with eggs, fruit and spices. During the Tudor and Stuart period in England, dried prunes were added to the pudding mixture which became known as a plum porridge. Eventually becoming called plum pudding and often eaten with Brandy Butter Sauce.

Another very common Christmas custom in Ireland is the candle window. The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve is still practiced today and has become an American Christmas tradition as well. The candle in the window has a number of purposes. One of its primary meanings is as a welcoming symbol to Mary and Joseph as they traveled looking for shelter. The candle also indicated a safe place for Catholic priests to perform mass during the penal times when Catholic masses were not allowed. Another part of the tradition is the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the family and should only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name Mary.

What is the Feast Day of St. Stephen and the Wren Boy Procession?

In Ireland celebrating the Feast Day of St. Stephen’s is usually accompanied with the Wren Boy Procession. Saint Stephen’s Day celebrated on December 26th, also know as the Day of the Wren is a national holiday in Ireland.

During Penal times there was a plot in a village against the local soldiers. The soldiers were surrounded and about to be ambushed when a flock of wrens pecked on their drums and awakened them in time to defend themselves. The plot failed and the wren became known as the “Devil’s Bird”.

On Saint Stephen’s Day a procession takes place where pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes with blackened faces. In olden days an actual wren bird was killed and placed on the pole. This custom has largely disappeared but the tradition of visiting from house to house on St. Stephen’s has survived and is a large part of the Irish Christmas celebration today.

The Feast of the Epiphany and Women’s Christmas

Last but not least a fabulous Irish Christmas tradition that hasn’t made its way to the states is called “Women’s Christmas”. In Ireland on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, is when traditionally the Irish finish celebrating Christmas. It is also known as “Nollaigh na mBean” in Irish or Women’s Christmas. Tradition has it that women get the day off and the men of the house get to do the housework, cooking and take down the Christmas decorations. Women meet up to go have a day out and treat themselves. Have you ever celebrated Women’s Christmas?

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via Irish Christmas Traditions and Customs.

Celtic Holidays, Irish Christmas, Irish Traditions

Irish Christmas Traditions

irish christmas traditions infographic
Like most countries, #Ireland has many of it’s own wonderful #Irish #Christmas traditions. Ireland’s Christmas traditions that have survived to modern times are steeped in Celtic culture and religious faith. Some of our favorite Irish Christmas Traditions are placing a candle in your homes window, the Laden Table, St. Stephens Day, Plum Pudding, and Women’s Christmas. Read more about this treasured Irish Christmas. http://www.theirishjewelrycompany.com/irish-christmas-traditions/