Claddagh Rings and Other Celtic Symbols
The Irish culture is full of imagery and symbolism. Carried on through years of cultural history and folklore, Celtic symbols can be found everywhere around the world. The Claddagh symbol and story is probably one of the most well-known in Irish culture and can be found on the ever-popular Claddagh rings and necklaces, but other symbols such as the Celtic Tree of Life, Cernunnos and the Triquetra are fascinating to learn about as well.
If you are not familiar with the Claddagh story, legend has it that young fisherman named Richard Joyce was bound for the West Indian slave plantations and was brutally kidnapped by a band of Mediterranean pirates. He was later sold to a Moorish goldsmith who over the many long years of his exile, helped Richard perfect the skills of a master craftsman. In 1689 King William III negotiated the return of the slaves, Joyce returned to Galway .
Back in Ireland, a woman to whom Joyce had given his heart had never stopped faithfully waiting for her true love to return. Upon his happy return to the Emerald Isle, he presented her with the now famous Claddagh ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart to symbolize their eternal love for each other.
Claddagh rings can be found in many places now, and individuals wear them to feel connected to a love relationship they already have, express their hopes for one in the future, or to simply appreciate the love and friendship they have in their life.
Many jewelers are also starting to incorporate the symbol into stunning Claddagh wedding rings to be worn by both the bride and groom. Claddagh engagement rings are easy to find as well, so you could incorporate the symbol into all the jewelry surrounding your pending nuptials.
If you aren’t in a place where you are considering marriage or maybe simply don’t like wearing rings, there are plenty of other options for Claddagh jewelry. If you are a mother (or perhaps are looking for a gift for your mother), you could consider looking for a Claddagh mother’s pendent. These can be tailored depending on how many children you have, and all stones feature the beautiful Claddagh symbol.
Although there is great reason that the Claddagh is such a popular and widely used Celtic symbol, there are others that are no less rich in history and appeal. Cerunnos was a mysterious horned god who was worshipped by Celtics across Europe until the end of the 1st century. There is not much information to be found on this creature of mystery, but his appearance features a stag’s antlers and he is often seen sitting in a meditative position. His image is often seen communing with wild animals as well.
The Celtic Tree of Life is a lovely symbol. Featuring two touching trunks, Celtic knots and clovers, it speaks to the tree being a source of basic sustenance, providing food, shelter and fuel for cooking and warmth. In ancient Celtic creation stories, trees were seen as the ancestors of mankind, senior beings of wisdom who gave to the Celts the alphabet, the calendar, and permission to enter to the realms of the Gods.
The Triquetra is a three part symbol comprised of three interlocking pieces, making an intersection of three circles. It is thought that the symbol actually predates its Christian symbolism, and has its roots in Celtic history as a symbol of a goddess. Celtic symbols featuring three parts, or triplicates, are very common in Irish history and culture, which is a reason why Christianity may have been so easily adopted by the ancient Celtic people.
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