Why choose a Celtic wedding ring?
"Popular Celtic Jewellery and Wedding Rings"
Celtic wedding rings are in many ways quite unique. Their style and design originates from an ancient civilisation that pre-dates both the Greeks and the Romans. Celtic rings are instantly recognisable by their simple beauty, organic form and enigmatic symbolism. They are both a talking point and an eye catcher.
But who were the Celts, where did they come from? Were they Irish, Welsh, Cornish, or Eastern European? It was the Celts who sacked the very heart of the Roman Empire in 390 BC. Or, even earlier, took on the might of the Greek empire in around 280 BC. Compared to the wealth of archaeological and written evidence left by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, we know very little about the Celts. The Celts were a people who left no written texts, nor monuments to rival the likes of the pyramids, coliseum, or the Acropolis. Modern day scholars still debate and speculate on the earliest period of the Celts, that time before they first appeared in the writings and journals of others.
Who were the Celts, and where did they come from?
Just about everything we know about the Celts today comes from either scant archaeological evidence or Roman accounts that were transcribed by medieval Christians. As a result, records available today on the Celts are from the Romans, who saw them as an alien culture, opposed their values and beliefs, and believed they needed to be conquered and enslaved. The Christians reviled the Celts as pagans, who had yet to discover the path of Christianity. The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies existing in Iron Age and Roman-period Europe, who had their own Celtic languages, but common culture and traditions.
The Celts or Gauls as the Romans referred to them, originally came out of Eastern Europe. The earliest archaeological discovered evidence commonly accepted as Celtic was the central European Hallstatt culture (c. 800-450 BC). The culture and traditions spread widely and rapidly as a result of migration. The river Danube was their highway; from this river they spread and settled into Germany, Switzerland, Austria, some regions of France, into the British Isles and as far as Eastern Russia. By the 4th century their numbers were so large that they were one of the four great barbarian peoples of the world. The Celts dominated large areas of territory; each tribe had their own identity but shared similarities in religion, lifestyle and language. With the advancement of the Greek civilisation, Celtic scholars adopted the Greek language and gained much respect for their writings. Artefacts from this period have been found extensively throughout those regions occupied by the Celts, including hand tools and weaponry, hand decorated pottery, and bronze brooches for holding cloaks and clothing in place. A recent and much publicised discovery was the Aylesford bucket, a wonderfully preserved wooden bucket complete with handle and bronze banding. The handle, edges and the feet have beautifully engraved patterns of Celtic art inscribed on them.
Celtic art and symbolism
Celtic art and symbolism holds fascination and appeal for many. The combination of intricate knot work and interwoven rope designs are admired by those of Celtic origin and non-Celtic people alike. Celtic rings, and in particular Celtic wedding rings, seem in a way a direct link back to days and times of long, long ago.
There is powerful symbolism attached to the flowing, twisting swirls and rope work of these rings. Celtic artwork seems to suggest some of their cosmic beliefs. The ebb and flow of the energy patterns which are part of all life forms are mirrored in the intricate knots, twists, swirls, and turns, of their carvings, drawings, and jewellery. The use of interlace patterns has its origins in the artwork of the late Roman period, with knotted patterns first appearing in the third and fourth centuries AD. This is confirmed by Roman floor mosaics unearthed from around that time. Plait work (a woven, unbroken cord design) is a style also associated with the Celtic lands, but more commonly in the Celtic regions of the British Isles, and was exported to Europe by the Irish and Northumbrian monastic activities into Europe.
The Celtic Knot The Celtic knot wedding ring symbolises the thread of life. The Celts believed the soul was but a fragment of the divine, which would return to its source in the next life. In viewing these beautiful knots, we see no beginning nor end, and are reminded of the timeless nature of our spirit.
The Celtic Oval The Celtic oval (spiral) knot in its simplest and purest form signifies eternity, continuity, and infinity of spiritual life. This knot design was created and has been passed down from the earliest generations of Celtic migrants to Europe, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The Celtic Round The three-sided knot represents the three forces of nature; earth, fire and water. The single continuous line symbolized unity and strength as well as completeness of spiritual wellbeing.
The Celtic Square This design is of Scottish origin, the single continuous line of this knot symbolizes love and fidelity. This design is part of what is commonly known as the Celtic love knot.
The Celtic Four This knot is a symbol of good fortune, the four distinctive interlocking circles in this design also represent the four seasons. The double lines around the outer edge symbolize the friendship or love between two people who are separate, yet remain together.
The Serpent Knot This knot takes its design from the Book of Kells; a manuscript Gospel book in written in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. This, according to legend, was written by St. Columba and his monks at the Kells monastery, Ireland in the 6th century AD. This delicately intricate pattern represents eternal life.
The Celtic cross The Celtic cross symbolizes the four paths of the four corners of the earth, and the meeting of these paths to form a cross at the centre.
A Celtic wedding ring reflects perfectly the romance and legend of its ancient origins. The designs that are so beautifully created today mirror image those of days lost in the mists of time. Whether your choice is a Celtic engagement ring or Celtic wedding ring, the choice of design is huge; with many created in white, yellow or rose gold, in addition to platinum, bi-metal, or silver.
You can find a huge selection of celtic wedding rings and contemporary celtic-inspired jewellery online at Wedding Rings Direct.