Celtic jewelry and designs have been popular for many years and are well known for their intricate and fluid. Celtic jewelry itself is an ancient form of design, with different styles of interconnected lines and symbols that all display the early belief that everything in the world work together and in harmony.
Knots, shapes and patterns have come to symbolize different aspects of Celtic culture and faith, although most people today are aware of the whole story behind the pieces. Below are some common patterns and symbols used in Celtic jewelry and their modern or ancient meanings:
Celtic Cross - the original Celtic cross is actually different from that of the cross associated with Christianity and modern Christian churches. The Celtic cross has four equally long arms and always is traditionally ahead or within a circle. This represents the four elements of world, earth, air, water and fire, and the circle of course represents the interconnectedness of the four elements.
Spirals - a very common pattern, sometimes completed with such fine detail that seems to be hypnotic, the spiral indicates birth and the expansion of all living things through life. It is also the symbol of the sun, which is necessary for life and growth. A clockwise spiral is the sun winter and a counterclockwise spiral the summer sun. Two spirals going opposite directions back to back are similar to other symbols that indicate balance and good and evil, birth and death and yin and yang.
Chevrons - this looks a little like stylized heart shapes but are connected from the point of a gallon most or the top of the other. Often used as a repetitive pattern or border type pattern and represent strength and power.
Rope work - This finely detailed pattern looks like a flat braid or woven piece of rope. It is typically used to provide a border or central pattern on rings and bracelets. The symbol of the string work is often paired with crosses and spirals to create a fluid and almost undulating pattern.
Knots - single or double knots are common in Celtic design patterns and represent the harmony, loyalty and connection. The knots are formed without apparent beginning or end and may also have been used to symbolize eternity the world. The first Celtic knot patterns are believed to have developed around 450 AD.
Much of the history and exact meaning behind different models Celtic jewelry is lost and can only be speculated about. Unfortunately there was no written record of what each of the nodes and the different patterns represented in origin and the stories or legends have been lost long ago. Some basic meanings, symbolizing the three peaks or the knot of the Trinity is in something more that Celtic jewelry and design, and is likely representative of the human body, mind and spirit or the more Christian representation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Regardless of the exact meaning behind the Celtic jewelry patterns, it is impossible not to be impressed with the workmanship and detail that goes into creating these patterns infinity. Celtic jewelry is not available everywhere, but with a little look around, you may find a piece that really captures the imagination and will make a great addition to your jewelry collection.
About the Author:
Amy Carrington is a fashion maven and editor at
www.SorellaJewelry.com.
Sorella Jewelry Studio creates elegant and original
personalized jewelry
with the names, words, dates and Chinese symbols that matter to you.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Celtic Jewelry - Symbolism and History
type of cross for my grandma's memorial tattoo for me.?
My grandma died 3 years ago and I've decided to finally get a tattoo as a memorial for her. The trouble is I'm having trouble choosing a cross. Im getting her initials above it and her birthday and death date underneath it. I was thinking about a celtic cross because the knots represent new beginnings and no endings. please help me. <3
Great idea! Here are some pics. Oh, and maybe you could put her birthstone in the middle of the cross, like this one:
http://crosstattoosdetails.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/celtic-cross-tattoos-on-the-back-of-my-neck.jpg
http://www.freecrosses.com/celtic_cross_tattoos.jpg
http://crosstattoosdetails.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/cross-neck-tattoos-for-women.jpg
http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs26/f/2008/122/d/e/__Tribal_Cross_Tattoo___by_BornToSoar.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/tattoo/1/0/i/s/121804l.jpg
http://tattoodesignspictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/celtic-cross-tattoo3.jpg
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/081/3/d/Celtic_Cross_Tattoo_by_willsketch.png
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