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.
"Triquetra"--- (Trinity Knot) may symbolize the Celtic idea that everything has three distinct but interdependent levels physical, mental and spiritual.
Zoomorphs---The various Animals represented in Celtic design that were morphed into knots most commonly were Birds, Fish, Serpents, Herd Animals,and The Boar
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.
TheScottish 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.
