Ireland. They were scattered about much of continental Europe as well. Jewelry from Celtic times traces its roots from the second millennium BC to the first
century BC Celt , a member of an early Indo-European people who created an art form that is both unique and timeless. Some Celts were sophisticated metal
and stone artisans who used the knot work as a form of sacred expression. Some of these were later preserved by highly embellished manuscripts, the most
famous being the Book of Kells (illuminates the four Gospels in Latin, penned circa 800AD) which somehow survived the Vikings. It was created in the 9th
century at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and depicts wonderfully imaginative images of humans and animals embellished with knot work motifs, linking
medieval Christianity with ancient Druidic culture. Celtic design was also particularly popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and
Raphael studied and depicted knots in their work. Spirals, Animal Motifs and Crosses were woven into Celtic knot work designs. These knot work designs
were crafted into rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and pendants. They were traded across the Mediterranean because of their beauty and craftsmanship.
There are clearly many indications in the Pagan mythology that show that Celtic jewelry played an important role in their society. Quite often it even determined
(in royalty, their rank and prestige) the social standing of the Celts. Celts used many designs and types suiting every specific purpose. This jewelry created by
Celts and dedicated to Celtic symbolism is the immortal and priceless gift to human civilization.
Some information about the meaning of these Celtic symbols has been passed down through ancient manuscripts, oral history and archaeological
conjecture. For example, the small triangular design is said to represent the three stages of the feminine: the maiden, mother and crone. Some now believe it
illustrates any aspect of the trinity, the One becoming Three. No one can say for absolute certainty what the Celtic knots mean because they point to something
more profound than what language can express. It continues to entice people away from conventional jewelry.
What do these Knots mean
I am often asked, what do these knots mean? It is not such an easy answer!
Some information about the meaning of these Celtic symbols has been passed down through ancient manuscripts, oral history and archaeological
conjecture. For example, the small triangular design is said to represent the three stages of the feminine: the maiden, mother and crone. Some now believe it
illustrates any aspect of the trinity, the One becoming Three (Father, Son, &Holy Ghost). No one can say for absolute certainty what the Celtic knots mean
because they point to something more profound than what language can express. It continues to entice people away from conventional jewelry.
Knot designs are actually depicted throughout the world. Some found in eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. In Western culture, there is a long and
venerable tradition of artists that have been inspired to use the knot work design. There has always been a group of metal and visual artists that have kept the
Celtic fires burning, so to speak, by using the knot work patterns in jewelry and other artistic expressions
There's a magic about them which is hard to clearly articulate. On the moors, surrounded by winding stone walls and ancient Neolithic bridges, the Celtic knot
art carved in stone is full of mystery that transcends time. Celtic symbolism has continued to generate interest among people even today and surprisingly is
still much sought after. Many of the ancient religious beliefs that gave rise to various designs have survived. The Celtic "Endless knot" design symbolizes
everlasting life and love.
Celtic Jewelry Styles & Symbolism
The symbolism that has come down through the ages is as obscure and indirect as much of the speech and literature of the Celtic people.
Two Celtic styles emerged, one characterized by stylized animal elements and the other by a series of abstract shapes and patterns.
The Spiral---used in many designs are thought to be derived from the snail and were frequently carved into rock and jewelry. The spiral symbolizes the
continuity of life and spiritual growth.
The Knot--- Celtic knots are complete loops interwoven with no end or beginning. The pure knot should always be unending.
Celtic Cross---The Ancient Celts believed a cross symbolized the bridge to other worlds and to higher energy and knowledge. This is realized by the vertical
axis (celestial world) and horizontal axis (Earthly world). The Celtic Cross began to appear during the fifth-century AD. As the Celts embraced Christianity, they
did not leave the rich imagery of their Pagan religions behind. The knot motifs were incorporated into their stone carvings and jewelry (of note--the Iona cross
of St. Columba).
"Triquetra" ---(Trinity Knot) may symbolize the Celtic idea that everything has three distinct but interdependent levels physical, mental and spiritual. Later
Christian application (Father, Son, &Holy Ghost).
Zoomorphs---The various Animals represented in Celtic design were most commonly Birds--( usually used to represent prophetic knowledge, bloodshed,
and skill). Fish--(fish,Salmon in particular, were associated with knowledge). Serpents--(and dragons symbolized trouble. Whenever they appeared, strife
and infertility followed). Herd Animals--(horses, cattle, and pigs represented fertility). The Boar--(in addition to representing fertility and wealth, boars
symbolized courage and strong warriors).
The Lion Rampant found on the Scottish Flag and many Coats of Arms symbolizes splendor, power, majesty, strength, pride, cunning, courage, and nobility.
Luckenbooth Brooches are so called because they were sold from "locked booths"along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, in the early 1700's. The crown symbolizes
Mary Queen of Scots. They were traditionally exchanged between lovers on betrothal. Subsequently they were pinned to the shawls of the first baby to protect
from evil spirits. Many have passed from generation to generation to become valuable family heirlooms.
The Scottish Thistle has long been regarded as the flower of Scotland. Ancient legend tells of the days of the Picts, in the reign of Malcolm I, when a horde of
Danes attempted to invade Scotland. Noiselessly, under cover of darkness, they approached the slumbering camp, when suddenly one of the soldiers trod
with his naked foot upon a thistle as did many of their number.
Their anguished cries roused the slumbering warriors who rallied to arms and drove away the foe.
Since that day the guardian Thistle was chosen as the national flower and is regarded as a symbol of independence and of retaliation.
The Claddagh (Ireland's symbol of Love Friendship, and Loyalty) In the late 16th Century, Richard Joyce, master goldsmith of a small fishing village named
Claddagh overlooking Galway Bay created a design that has become a part of the unique heritage of Ireland. When worn on the right hand with the crown
turned inward, the claddagh ring signifies that the wearer's heart is unoccupied. On the right hand with the crown turned outwards - love is being considered.
Only when one's heart is truly engaged is the ring worn on the left hand with the crown turned outwards.
