Learning about your family history and genealogy is just one way to connect with your Irish heritage. You may also enjoy finding out about the culture and symbolism of your people. By learning more about Irish and Celtic symbolism, you can explore the most powerful themes and beliefs of your ancestors.
Understanding what mattered to Irish people thousands of years ago will leave you feeling more connected to your own heritage. You may also find yourself intrigued by the ancient symbols themselves, since they resonate with hypnotic beauty and deeper meaning.
Once you've got a good grasp of Irish symbolism, you may enjoy incorporating it into your daily life. Today's Irish artisans produce jewelry designs that feature the very same symbols. They may also appear in books, on paintings, and in the Irish folk art of today.
Ornate, intricate designs are the signature of Irish and Celtic design. In the sixth century, when the Insular Art Period began in the British Isles, artisans began to craft specific motifs to adorn stone crosses, dolmans, and metal work.
The Insular style is related to the British Isles, as they were after the times of the Roman Empire. From 600 A.D. onwards, a specific style emerged, and many great art treasures, such as the Book of Kells and The Ardagh Chalice, were created.
Irish And Celtic Symbols During The Insular Art Period
In ancient Irish burial mounds, graves were often marked with spirals (also known as whorls). These designs are believed to represent the physical and spiritual journey through life.
Other symbols, such as the Triquetra, or Trinity Knot, were also used to symbolize the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of the three segments of this simple, elegant design is interwoven with the others, in honor of the Holy Trinity. The delicate knot work of the Triquetra is just one example of this “woven” style, also known as interlace.
Animal, or zoomorphic symbols, such as winged lions (griffins) or serpents were also popular during the Insular Art Period. The creatures or animals depicted were used to illustrate traits such as strength and wisdom.
As time passed, the humble little three-leaf plant known as the Shamrock emerged as a uniquely Irish symbol. It was used by Saint Patrick to convert the Irish people from their Pagan ways. Much like the Trinity Knot, the Shamrock was believed to be a living symbol of the Holy Trinity. It's three leaves also symbolized the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit. Today, the Shamrock is Ireland's most popular symbol.
Some modern Irish symbols, such as Claddagh symbols, are not religious symbols. They are romantic in spirit. The crowned heart and tiny hands that hold it in place are symbols of faithfulness, passion and true love. An Irish fisherman, who was separated from his long lost love, created the first Claddagh ring. In time, he returned to her, and they reunited. She wore her Claddagh Ring for the rest of her life.
The Symbols And Their Meanings
Today, you can enjoy the beauty and meaning of Irish and Celtic symbols in a variety of ways. They appear everywhere, from CD covers to coffee table books. One of the most touching and appropriate ways to honor your heritage with symbols is through wedding jewelry. Celtic wedding rings often feature engraved Trinity Knots, Claddagh symbols, or spirals. These symbols can add a touch of depth and richness to your wedding ceremony, and they are often handcrafted in Ireland, according to the old traditions.
Brides and grooms sometimes wear matching wedding bands if they share Irish ancestry. It's a lovely way to celebrate the past, while starting a new and exciting journey together. You can also use Celtic design motifs to create crafts, invitations, and almost anything else you might think of. They'll add style and meaning to scrapbooks, journals, family photo albums, etc. Get creative and you can ensure a little piece of the past surrounds you.
