Silver Celtic Knot Jewelry

Silver Celtic Knot Jewelry

In the very large and engaging genre of sterling silver Celtic jewelry there are countless Irish, Scottish and Celtic symbols and icons. This post will provide and overview of many of those Celtic symbols.

Celtic Eternity Knot Jewelry Symbol
The Celtic knot where there is a line(s) with no beginning or no end are often called and endless knot or eternity knot. Others sometimes refer to it as the eternity or infinity symbol.

Further these Celtic "endless" knots remind us of the endless nature of our spirit. It also calls to mind the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Our spirits have no beginning and no end and life is just a portion of the life cycle.

　

Celtic Trinity Knot Jewelry Symbol

The Celtic Jewelry trinity knot has meanings from two influences, one pagan and one Christian.

Originally is was referred to a Triquetra design. Triquetra is a Latin term meaning "three cornered". The pagan meaning to the triquettra knot has to do with three feminine powers or roles: Maiden, Mother and Crone. Another non Christian definition for the Triquetra or Trinity knot is mind, body and spirit.

As with other Celtic symbols, meanings evolved with the introduction of Christianity to the Celtic culture. The pagan Triquetra symbol evolved into the Celtic jewelry trinity knot representing the Holy Trinity.

　

Irish Shamrock or Three Leaf Clover

 Some use the Celtic three leaf clover as a symbol of good luck. However, most use the four leaf clover as a good luck charm. The three leaf clover is purported to have been used by St. Patrick to represent the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. It is a popular part of Irish Celtic jewelry.

Celtic Triskele:

The term 'triskele' means a figure consisting of three stylized human arms or legs (or three bent lines) radiating from a center. It is a popular symbol in silver Celtic knot jewelry.

　

Irish Four Leaf Clover

A Celtic jewelry charm to protect against bad spirits. Some also attach the meaning that each leaf represents: Faith, Hope Love and Luck. This four leaf clover is popular in a ring, charm, pendant necklace and earrings, just about any type of silver Celtic jewelry.

　

Scottish Jewelry Luckenbooth Charms  

Luckenbooths were shops in Edinburgh Scotland. They were the city's first permanent shops that housed jewelry workers in the 1500's.

The Luckinbooth brooch is a traditional Scottish wedding emblem given to the bride by the groom on their wedding day. Traditionally it was pinned to the shawl of the first baby born to the union to protect it from evil spirits.

The Luckenbooth has figures very similar to the Irish claddagh symbol. It came to serve as a love token like the Irish Claddagh. Not as popular as the Claddagh symbol but still and big part of Celtic knot jewelry.

　

Scottish Jewelry Thistle

Scottish national emblem.

One can argue of original meanings of Celtic jewelry symbols but what matters most is what connects the wearer to the Celtic symbol.

While there is disputation over the meaning behind the Celtic jewelry symbols one thing everyone agrees on is that the Celtic knot and other designs are now a classic.

Celtic and Irish jewelry Crosses

Legend has it that Saint Patrick introduced the symbol of the cross to the pagan Celts. They meet with some resistance and eventually a compromise was reached where the Celts added a Celtic Knot to the center of the traditional cross. Many different symbols have been added to Celtic crosses. They are very symbolic and decorative.

The Celtic cross necklace has become extremely popular as a non denominational symbol of Christian faith. The Christians definitely helped the symbol of the Celtic Cross become mainstream.

Why Are Celtic Cross Jewelry So Popular?

The Circle around the center of the cross has come to represent eternity and Gods endless love which is very appropriate for a Christian cross.

Other symbolism of the Celtic Cross relates to the four lines of the Cross. Each line represents four directions. East is rebirth, youth, spring, and growth. West is knowledge, experience, autumn, and guidance. South is vitality, vigor, Summer, and strength. North is wisdom, silence, winter, and death. The circle connects them in the cycle of life.

Perhaps the popularity of Celtic Jewelry and Celtic Cross necklaces is due to the fascination of the various designs and the mysterious symbols that can mean just about anything the mind can conjure up.

Saint Patrick Irish Cross Pendant
St. Patrick's cross is so named because of the types of Celtic crosses that were in use when St. Patrick was in Ireland in the 5th century.

Over time many other crosses have came to bear his name for one reason or the other. However the true Saint Patricks Cross is a traditional Irish High Cross or traditional Celtic cross.

The Prayer of St. Patrick:

I arise today Through Gods strength to pilot me;

Gods might to uphold me, Gods wisdom to guide me, Gods eye to look before me, Gods ear to hear me, Gods word to speak for me, Gods hand to guard me.

Gods way to lie before me, Gods shield to protect me, Gods hosts to save me
Afar and near, Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today, Against wounding, Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today, Through the mighty strength Of the Lord of creation.