From ancient Celtic “fairy cats” folklore to Saint Patrick’s sermons, there’s a wide range of inspirations behind the various Celtic jewelry we wear.
However, many people wear these pieces of jewelry without a clue about the history or the meaning behind the symbols in the pendants or rings.
In this article, we’ll dig into the meaning behind the symbols on the Celtic jewelry.
The Irish Shamrocks
This is one of the traditional symbols in Ireland, which still holds a lot of meaning. From way back, the Celts believed in the number 3, which is also represented by the triad formed in the shamrock.
Saint Patrick explained the Holy Trinity to his congregation using the shamrock. Therefore, to the Celts, good things come in 3’s such as the shamrock Celtic pendants.
The Claddagh Ring
Friendship, loyalty, and love. These are what the Claddagh represents. The heart represents the latter; two hands embody friendship while the crown represents loyalty.
If you wear this ring on the right hand and the crown facing inside, then it means you’re still single. However, if you wear it on the same hand but with the top facing outside, then it means someone’s noticed your love.
On the other hand, wearing the ring on the left hand with the outward-facing crown means you have a lifelong partner.
The Celtic Sisters Knot
This Celtic pendant symbolizes a robust eternal bond shared between friends and sisters. The intricate Celtic heart knot symbolizes everlasting love.
The triple spiral, which makes its way through the heart, represents the three stages every woman goes through, at least in the Celts tradition. These stages include a maid, a mother, and then a wise woman.
The Celtic Cross
This is by far the most common Celtic symbol. According to legend, St. Patrick drew a Celtic circle with a cross inside, symbolizing the moon Goddess, thus giving life to the Celtic cross. However, the Celtic cross, today, symbolizes God’s eternal love.
The Scottish Thistle Heart
The Thistle Heart is a representation of Scotland. The two purple thistles and the national flower represent love in Scotland. The Scotch thistle or the thistle represents Scotland’s national flower and for a good reason.
According to legend, a Viking attacker stepped was pricked by a thorny thistle and cried out in agony, thus alerting the Scottish.
The Wild Irish Rose
Also known as the Irish field rose, this sweet briar represents courage even in the toughest conditions. Despite the harsh conditions the Irish rose faces while growing, the plant produces beautiful flowers, and these roses represent the Irish women.
The Luckenboothes
From as far back as the 17th century, the Luckenbooth is used to represent love among the Scottish people. From friends to betrothed, this Celtic pendant is used as a token.
Most of them come shaped like a heart or two conjoined hearts. Others come with a crown that symbolizes loyalty, while the heart represents love.
There you have it. Now you know what it means to wear the Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown facing outwards. So, the next time you visit a jewelry store, why not look for a Celtic pendant and surprise your loved one.
