| Celtic symbols are ancient and their meanings and | | | | The trinity knot with its interwoven lines is often |
| histories are deep and thought provoking. The Celts | | | | found decorating these manuscripts. |
| had no written language and relied on symbols to | | | | Geometric patterns |
| depict and convey the way they felt and thought | | | | The Celts believed very strongly in the |
| about the world surrounding them, family, friends, | | | | interconnectedness of all life and produced the knots |
| love, spirituality and religion. | | | | to depict this. Many geometrical designs also feature |
| Celtic knot work | | | | prominently in artwork and many Claddagh can be |
| When considering a Celtic wedding ring for instance, | | | | found bearing spirals, scrolls or knots. Celtic spirals are |
| there are a host of designs to choose from. Whorls, | | | | very symbolic as the single spiral is thought to point |
| spirals, knots and other symbols and since their | | | | to cosmic energy while twin spirals signify duality and |
| conversion to Christianity, these symbols have been | | | | nature, much like the Chinese ying yang symbol. Each |
| captured for their beauty and posterity, even though | | | | spiral is thought to represent our journey through life |
| many of their original meanings have been lost in the | | | | and the spiritual growth of the person along the way |
| mist of time. | | | | or over the course of a lifetime. |
| One thing that stands out in Celtic symbolism is their | | | | Groups of spirals are commonly featured and are a |
| use of knot work that are exquisite features found | | | | testimony to the great masterpieces produced by |
| in many Christian works and scriptures and which still | | | | Celtic metal workers and craftsmen. In jewelry spirals |
| captivate us because of their intricate and complex | | | | are often used as borders. |
| beauty and meaning. | | | | Knot work today has evolved and has changed from |
| Celtic knot work is meant to encapsulate the | | | | simple patterns to complicated interlaced patterns |
| interconnectedness of all things, the endless love of | | | | and though this means some of the ancient |
| god and our relationship with him for one or the | | | | symbolism may have been lost, many of these |
| interconnectedness between friends, family, spouses | | | | designs are more popular than their ancient |
| and lovers for another. When used in jewelry these | | | | counterparts, especially in the manufacture of |
| designs bring another dimension and visual interest | | | | jewelry. |
| with their almost hypnotic curving lines and depth of | | | | Long History of Jewelry Making |
| design. | | | | Celtic jewelry dates back to ancient time when they |
| A common meaning attributed to knot work is love | | | | produced magnificent, intricate and fine metal work. |
| and possibly one of the most common or most | | | | Samples have been found dating back to Egyptian |
| famous depictions of love is the Claddagh symbol | | | | times which means that while they were building the |
| with its crown above two hands clasping a heart. | | | | pyramids, the Celts were crafting pieces of artistic |
| This is a fairly modern Celtic symbol yet when | | | | metal work. This rich history of jewelry crafting has |
| adorned with ancient knot work takes on deeper a | | | | helped make Celtic jewelry much sought after and |
| symbolism. | | | | much desired all over the world today. |
| Knot work is perhaps the greatest signatures of | | | | While the Claddagh does not have its root in ancient |
| Celtic design and symbolism. The trinity knot for | | | | Keltic design or symbolism, it is perhaps the most |
| instance takes the shape of a three point design | | | | recognized of all Celtic friendship symbols. For those |
| which is thought to symbolise the holy trinity, or the | | | | who have a better understanding of the symbolism, |
| connection we have with God or our loved one. | | | | the addition of knot work makes the Claddagh a |
| Knot work is considered as perhaps the most | | | | piece of jewelry that is unique to the wearer and |
| ornamental of all Celtic patterns. They signify that life | | | | one that is able to signify the thoughts and heart of |
| is never ending and that we are reborn at death. This | | | | the giver. |
| is depicted in the loops of knots that have no | | | | While the knot work symbolizes our |
| beginning and no ending. Celtic knot work used in | | | | interconnectedness, the Claddagh symbolizes love |
| wedding bands is inspired by the designs found in | | | | and loyalty. Merging these two symbolic iconic designs |
| Christian manuscripts such as the Irish Book of Kells. | | | | makes for a very powerful message. |