|
Curved Celtic Knot Earrings |
Celtic Knotwork
The most commonly seen design in Celtic
artwork, the meaning of which is still not entirely known. The most
popular interpretation is that the complex, interlocking weaving of
the knotwork is representative of interconnecting forces of life, a
very important concept in Celtic philosophy. It could also
represent the endless circle of life, with no beginning, no end. |
|
Pewter Celtic Triple Spiral Pendant
|
Triple Spiral
A triple spiral is sometimes suggested to
represent the Triple Goddess of the three ages of womanhood. It later
came to represent the holy trinity in Christianity; God the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. This motif is also called the triskelion, or
triskel. |
|
Crystal Celtic Triqueta Pendant
|
Triquetra
This triangular Celtic knot is said to represent the three planes of
existence - physical, mental and spiritual. Notice how, although the
three points are clearly separate, they are interlocked together,
symbolising the connection between the three planes. Like the
triskel, the symbol could also be linked to the trinity of the
goddess, or the Christian trinity. |
|
Celtic Cross Pendant
|
Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross, or Ring Cross, has so many meanings that we have
created a whole section devoted to this symbol -
click here to
read more. |
|
Celtic Pentacle Pendant
|
The Pentagram/Pentacle
This fairly universal symbol, sometimes used by the Celts, is also so
complex that we have given it its own section.
Click here to
read more. |
|
Silver Plated Secret Rune Pendant: "Beauty"
|
Runes
Runes of all types have been found throughout Britain and Europe, and
are the works of ancient peoples. Interpretations of runes are
wide, various and immensely complex, but they are generally thought to
form a type of language with great spiritual significance, and may
have been used as a connection between the physical world and the
spiritual, magical world. |
|
Pewter Cornish
Celtic Knot Pendant
|
The Circle
Found in every culture, the circle is often used as a mystical symbol
due to its endlessness, and its infinite edges. It symbolises
many things: the world, the cosmos, female fertility and eternity. |
|
Celtic Clover Pendant
|
The Wheel of Being
Four circles interlocking. It could possibly be a symbol of the
Four Elements, and their interconnection to form a balanced Universe. |
|
Celtic
Deer Knot
Brooch
|
The Deer
Considered to be the oldest creatures in existence by the Celts, the
Deer often represented the primary Gods and Goddesses - the Stag
represented the Male, and the Doe, the female. Stags were
particularly associated with Cernnunos, the Celtic horned god of
nature and hunting. |
|
Uffington White Horse
Brooch
|
The Horse
Horses were connected to the Celtic goddess Rhiannon, a goddess of
hunting. The Celts showed their respect for horses with huge
carvings, which can be seen in hill cliff sides at several locations
in Europe. |
|
Celtic Serpent Pendant
|
The Serpent
A powerful fertility symbol, the serpent represented the male due to
its shape, and rebirth through the shedding of its skin. It was
thought to be one of the most mysterious, sacred creatures to the
Celts. It is often depicted with Cernnunos.
You can read more
about the symbolism of serpents and dragons here. |
|
Celtic Double Dragon Pendant |
The Dragon
Perhaps the most powerful animal of all in Celtic mythology, the
dragon symbolised the whole of creation, in the might of the earth and
in the bending of the rivers. It also represented a guardian or
an obstacle against physical or spiritual gain. The Dragon is the
national emblem of Wales.
You can read more
about the symbolism of serpents and dragons here. |
|
Claddagh Cross Pendant |
The Claddagh
Unlike the other symbols present here, the Caddagh is not an ancient
Celtic design but a 16th century Irish symbol of eternal love and
friendship. The heart at the centre of the design is symbolic of
love, the hands around it symbolise friendship, while the crowns
represent everlasting loyalty.
The Claddagh is traditionally worn as a ring, but the example pictured
here is set on a cross pendant - introducing spirituality into the
symbolism. |
|
Courtney Davis Shamrock Pendant |
The Shamrock
The shamrock is also not an ancient Celtic
design, but the traditional emblem of Ireland. A four leaf
clover, a relative of the shamrock, is said to bring good luck. |
