Celtic Wedding Rings
July 24, 2009
Celtic Wedding Rings
Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in Jewelry such as Celtic wedding rings.
The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.
Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennium, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.
The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.
The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.
Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements – earth wind and fire. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewelry such as rings or on chains around the neck.
Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.
The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.
Although the symbolism of Celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewelry and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.
The dual centre spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.
Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.
See more information at wikipedia
