subject: Mystery Abounds In Relation To Celtic Symbolism [print this page] Since the Celtic people unfortunately left no written guides for us, realizing what each Celtic symbol represents has been left open to quite a few different interpretations over the years. Celtic jewelry is rich in symbolism, mythology and spirituality and it's up to us to try and make sense of it all.
The symbols of the Celtic people bring up images of power and reveal a people who honored nature and life, in general. Even after thousands of years, though, of attempts to understand it all, there is still a great deal of mystery and intrigue surrounding the Celts and their wonderful artwork that is now worn by the lovers of designer jewelry around the world.
Two of the most commonly recognized Celtic symbols are the knot and the spiral. These are universally said to represent eternity...the idea of no beginning and no end. Life itself was represented to the Celts through these symbols. Most scholars agree that the idea of eternity was attached to areas such as love and the relationship these people had to nature.
The idea of eternity is shown through the knot and spiral by the fact that there are unbroken lines that represent the endless pattern of life and bring up images of purpose and spirituality. In a spiritual sense, we are to remember that although we are separate entities, we are an integral part of everything around us as all life is interwoven.
The idea of power is quite often represented through Celtic jewelry and symbolism. Since the Celts held nature in such high regard, they often used depictions of animals to represent the power each of them holds. For example, winning and the idea of power were shown by the horse during wartime.
Aspects in life such as joy and healing were represented by the unicorn while the Raven was often used to represent the power and ability of protection and creation. During wartime, the Celtic people would often tattoo or paint these animal depictions on their bodies in order to absorb these various powers or to intimidate their opponents.
The Claddagh ring is yet another very recognized piece of Celtic influence. Also known as the faith ring, this design reveals two hands clasped together over a heart. Wedding bands and engagement rings are quite often shown with this design as it represents friendship, love and loyalty between the giver and receiver.
Basically, the Celts used their various symbols and artwork as a way to represent the life they saw around them. Although many of these symbols are today seen as Christian symbols, most of them are steeped in paganism. Initially, it's believed that they were ways for the Celtic people to represent family relations, avoid evil or possess power.
Today, these symbols provide pride and spiritual emotions to those wearing all the fine jewelry inspired by the rich Celtic history.
