Symbolism Behind Celtic Engagement Rings

The Celts are a group of tribal societies that inhabited of Europe during the Iron Age. They are said to have a rich culture established with their language, religion and most of all, a unique way of life. Their tribe is separated by three groups: the warriors and the aristocrats, the intellectuals and the commoners. Each group has their own role to play in their community. Warriors and aristocrats are for expansion and maintenance of peace, the intellectuals are teachers, poets and historians while the rest are common laborers, tasked to supply the other needs of their tribe. Early Celts are also known to make a living through barter and trade of metal craft. Their smiths are famous for forging weapons and beautiful jewelry.

Today, their designs and their symbolism has transcended time and land boundaries. Bits and pieces of Celtic tradition are now prominent in architecture, fashion, body art and of course, jewelry. Celtic engagement rings are slowly making their way in the market. They are in demand because of their unique design and they meaning that lies behind every symbol.

Celtic engagement rings are usually adorned by three symbols:

• Triquetra

• Celtic Knot

• Claddagh

The Triquetra

The Triquetra is the Celtic version of trinity. It takes a form of a triangle and stands for a persona and special things that exists in three fold. In Christian religion, it can be the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. In neopaganism, it can stand for the three divisions of the earth: land, sea and sky. For Celts, it is a usual part of their engagement ring because it symbolizes time. It is the past, present and future. It means that the love and commitment symbolized by the ring transcends time and space.

Celtic Knot

The interlaced knots are perhaps the most famous among all Celtic symbols. More often, they are found in carpets, pillars and facades of building and places of worship like churches and mosques. It is special because despite its intricate design, it has the characteristic of a circle. It is something with no beginning and no end. To lovers, it is a commitment of love that knows no end or boundaries.

Claddagh

The Claddagh is a symbol with two hands, clasping a heart with a crown. The heart stands for friendship and the crown is a symbol of loyalty. It is a tangible representation of the words: \"With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love.\"

In Ireland, a Claddagh ring can acquire a different meaning depending on the how the ring is worn. For example, if it is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outwards, that means that the wearer is already engaged. If the heart is facing inwards that means that the person is already married. However, if the ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing inwards, it means that the wearer is in a relationship or that someone else owns his or her heart. If worn outwards it means that the person is in search of love.

These symbolic meanings make Celtic engagement rings stand out from the rest. It gives the usual engagement ring a different twist and a deeper meaning.

The Celts are a group of tribal societies that inhabited of Europe during the Iron Age. They are said to have a rich culture established with their language, religion and most of all, a unique way of life.