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Celtic Knotwork History Celtic knots originated in Polytheistic Celtic times but are most known for their use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts. These designs also portrayed depictions of life forms such as plants, animals, and humans as seen in the Book of Kells. Geometric patterns as ornamentation were used particularly in jewellery before 450 A.D. Today, Celtic Art is popularly thought of in terms of national identity and therefore specifically Irish, Scottish or Welsh.
Celtic Knotwork
Celtic knotwork is a term that describes an appearance of loose knots caused by breaking apart and re-joining some of the lines into a plait or rope-like design. There are eight elementary patternsthat are used in designing celtic knots. Each basic design has a meaning attached to it:
1. The line – straight or curved, it has a beginning and an end. Lines have a cohesive pattern which has symbolic meaning.
2. Cross motifs – the crossing of two lines which symbolizes the possibility of a new perspective. The cross is a universal symbol from ancient times. It represents to the Celts the union of celestial and earthly forces.
3. Circle motifs – signifies equality, community, and eternity.
4. Wave motifs – expressions of all that exists as is stated in particle physics. Waves represent steady movement and flow over time as well as the power of nature that surrounds us.
5. Square motifs – signify the blueprint of structure and foundation.
6. Triangular motifs – found in natures objects such as the tops of waves and the ends of leaves. Triangles suggest focused energy towards a specific point.
7. Spiral motifs – represent spiritual growth or evolution in a persons circle walk of life. Spirals are a natural pattern found in wind and water, shells, and seeds and express the unfolding of the earth’s energies and the expansion of the universe.
8. Trinity motifs – represented religiously as in the Holy Trinity. From a universal point of view, the trinity is represented as the meaning of 3 parts joined as one: body, mind, spirit or past, present, future.
9. Heart motifs - Since ancient times, hearts have been used as a symbol to refer to the spiritual, emotional and moral core of a human being. Hearts are most commonly used as symbols representing love. The Celtic heart is among the most romantic of symbols, formed from one continuous line, representing the union of souls in a continuity of faith and love as one travels through the journey of life.
10. Zoomorphic motifs - There are also Celtic knotwork designs that incorporate humans and animals or mythical beasts intertwined in combat. These designs are often referred to as Zoomorphism and can be found in the Book of Kells; an ancient manuscript transcribed by Celtic monks in the 1800s.
Fish - Secret Wisdom and Prophecy In Celtic mythology, salmon and trout are often linked to sacred wells and springs, places of physical healing and spiritual rebirth. As symbols of sacred wisdom and foreknowledge, the fish represents renewed and sustained life.
Serpent - Earth Healer The serpent is a symbol of healing and wisdom. These creatures live within the depths of the Earth Mother and have mastery of all her secret knowledge and vital forces. Because of their wave-like movements, serpents are also associated with healing waters and sacred wells, sources of regenerative powers from within the earth, thus protectors of health and well-being.
Horse - Sovereignty, Guidance The horse is associated with many Celtic deities as an emblem of power, sovereignty, abundance, and guidance. As protectors of nature, they both grant sovereignty over the land and are the goddesses of the stable, protecting all who work with horses.
Birds - Spirits of Prophecy Birds play a prominent role in Celtic myth and legend. As symbols of freedom and transcendence, they represent the human soul in flight, able to soar in spiritual communication with the heavens. Returning to earth, they bring messages of prophecy and guidance, aiding mortals on their spiritual and earthly journeys.
Hare - Good Fortune, Rebirth The hare is considered an intermediary between mortals and deities, a messenger of the gods. Hares also have powers to effect transformation and control destiny. As a lunar animal, the hare represents rebirth, immortality, good fortune and prosperity. The hare is the totem animal of numerous moon goddesses, most notably Oestre whose name is the source of the word Easter.
Dragon - Guardian Spirit Dragons unite earthly powers with celestial forces, guarding the gates to the nether worlds, and controlling the earth's energies. Symbols of strength and protection, they are often portrayed as stylized spirals or mazes; sources of spiritual centering, self discovery, and a return to Mother Earth.
Stag - Protector of Nature The majestic stag is an important solar animal of the Celts. Its antlers, shed and regenerated the following year, represent the tree of life and are symbolic of spiritual regeneration, abundance, and prosperity.
Cat - Intuition, Prophecy In Celtic mythology, cats were considered the guardian of souls, their eyes the windows to the otherworld. The Celtic cat received much respect. The Celts recognized cats’ unique abilities such as sensing the coming of terrible storms long before thunder was heard.
Dog - Loyalty, Companionship To the Celtic peoples, dogs have often symbolized the strong bond of companionship and loyalty between human and animal. Dogs figured prominently in Celtic artwork, especially within the Books of Kells, Durrow, and Lindisfarne. Fiercely protective of their human families, the barking of a faithful dog can be a first alert to danger or concern.
Irish Historical Symbols
Historical symbols representing Irish saints, towers and castles, warriors and soldiers, flags, maps, and boats can be found on Irish jewellery. These symbols could be found on ancient High Crosses or Celtic crosses.
The Irish Claddagh is a design of 2 hands holding a heart. Above the heart is a crown. The Claddagh is often said to symbolize love, loyalty and friendship or “let love and friendship reign”. The Claddagh was also said to have originated in Galway and has 2 stories associated with it:
1. Margaret Joyce inherited a huge amount of money from her late husband who was a wealthy Spanish merchant. After his death, she married the Mayor of Galway in 1596 and used her inherited wealth to construct many bridges in Connacht. The first Claddagh ring was supposed to be her providentialreward and was said to have been dropped by an eagle into her lap.
2. A native of Galway by the name of Richard Joyce was captured by the Algerians and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. When the King of England released all slaves from detainment, the goldsmith offered Richard Joyce a major portion of his wealth and also his only daughter in marriage, if he agreed to stay in Algiers. It is said that Richard Joyce refused the offer and returned to his native city with the first Claddagh ring.
The Celtic Warrior Shield design originated from the Ardagh Chalice in Ireland. It was discovered in 1868 by two men digging in a ring fort in Ardagh, County Limerick, Ireland.
Ogham script is an early form of Old Irish and the first known Irish writing. The writing is made up of a series of lines and notches that are scored across a long stem-line. Often times, the inscription is read from the bottom up, and usually names the person being commemorated along with their ancestors and the carver of the inscription. Over 350 Ogham stones are known, with the majority found in Southern Ireland.
In historical writings, Ogham was said to have been created by Ogma,the son of An Dagda. Ogma was a warrior and the god of eloquence and literature, and fought the second battle of Magh Tuireadh where he slew Indech, son of the goddess Domnu.
The Tree of Life concept is found in many cultures. To the Celts, the tree was a source of basic sustenance - a bearer of food, a provider of shelter and fuel for cooking and warmth. Wood from sacred trees had magical properties, which was reflected in the Celtic Ogham alphabet. The most sacred tree of all was the Oak tree. The Celtic name for oak, daur, is the origin of the word door. The root of the oak was literally the doorway to the Other World. The word Druid, the name of the Celtic Priestly class, comes from the words for oak and wise- a Druid was one who was "Oak Wise," meaning learned in Tree magic.
Celtic Patron Saints
For centuries, we have called upon our patron saints knowing that they will be our advocates and provide us strength. The exemplary lives of the saints serve as examples to us. Having a special saint to call on for each of our needs gives us hope, encouragement and protection.
1. Saint Andrew - Patron Saint of Scotland, Russia and fishermen As an apostle of Jesus, St. Andrew spread his word throughout Asia Minor and Greece and was eventually crucified on a saltire cross. Some of St. Andrew's remains were brought to Scotland for safekeeping. King Angus of Scotland prayed to St. Andrew for help during a battle and upon winning the battle, he declared St. Andrew the patron saint of Scotland.
2. Saint Brendan - Patron Saint of sailors and mariners St. Brendan the Navigator was born in Ireland. He founded the well known Clonfert Monastery and is believed to have traveled throughout Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales spreading the word of God. He is largely known for the tales of his travels found in the medieval manuscript “Voyage of Saint Brendan” in which he and a group of monks traveled the seas.
3. Saint Brigid - Patron Saint of Ireland and babies St. Brigid was born to an Irish Chieftain. She always had a charitable nature and so became the first Irish nun, starting convents throughout Ireland. Her wish was to relieve the hardships of the poor. She is known for the simple cross which she is believed to have been woven for a dying pagan chieftain to illustrate the Christian faith. St. Brigid’s cross is commonly hung in Irish homes to bless them.
4. Saint David - Patron Saint of Wales St. David, also known as Dewi, was born in Wales. As a monk, he founded many monasteries throughout Wales. According to legend, David was preaching to a great crowd in Jerusalem when a dove perched on his shoulder to show that David was blessed by the spirit. The earth then rose underneath David to lift him up high so that all present could hear him speak. His feast day, March 1st is celebrated by wearing a Welsh leek leaf or flower.
5. Saint Fiacre - Patron Saint of gardeners, florists and cab drivers St. Fiacre developed a special skill for gardening while being raised in a monastery in Ireland. Soon after he was ordained, Fiacre moved to France where Bishop Faro granted him a large lot of land to garden. He grew a beautiful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. With the herbs and his healing hands, Fiacre was able to cure all manner of disease. The Bishop declared Fiacre’s garden to be a miracle and it became a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing.
6. Saint Patrick - Patron Saint of Ireland St. Patrick was the son of a prominent Roman family in Scotland. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland. After years as a slave, Patrick escaped only to return to Ireland. He traveled across the country for the next 30 years preaching and baptizing the Irish people. St. Patrick used the three leaves and single stem of Ireland’s shamrock flower to explain the Holy Trinity. Legend is that St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland.
Celtic Jewellery
Celtic jewellery is among the most uniquely designed and high-quality jewellery found in the Western World today. This jewellery was originally worn by people in the celtic regions of the British Isles. Among the designs a variety of celtic knotwork, spirals, a labyrinth of human or animal figures and historical symbols such as the Irish Claddagh, Celtic warrior shield, Ogham script and Tree of Life can be found.
Nearly all types of gems are used in celtic jewellery as well as most metals. Gems native to Celtic regions that are used are Connamera marble, Heather and Scottish agate nodules such as amber. Among the most popular of metals used are gold, silver, platinum and pewter.
Irish jewellery is some of the most quality conscious jewellery found because it must be Hallmarked. The Dublin Castle Assay Officemust verify each piece of jewellery and confirm that the piece measures up to declared standards. A Hallmark provides the following information:
1. Makers Mark – a 2 or 3 letter stamp of the manufacturer
2. Assay Mark – identifies which Assay Office certified the piece
3. Purity Mark 1 – identifies how much pure metal is contained in the piece
4. Purity Mark 2 – identifies the carat weight contained in the piece
Diamonds found in Celtic jewellery follow the quality and value guidelines of the 4 C’s:
1.Cut - The way a diamond is cut dictates how much "sparkle" the diamond will have.
2.Color- diamond color is graded on a scale from "D" being the highest quality to "Z" being the lowest quality.
3.Clarity- clarity is graded on a scale as well and involves the presence or lack of inclusions.
4.Carat weight - this refers to the weight of a single diamond. The carat weight is measured in fractions or decimal points.
Types and Origins
Crystalline vs Amorphous: Crystalline is one of the most common distinctions in gem stones. These stones are made up of a single crystal. Examples of crystalline gems are diamonds or rubies. Amorphous gems are made up of a hardened mixture of substances. An example of an amorphous gem is turquoise.
Organic vs Inorganic: The most common gems areinorganic. These gems, such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and amethyst are made from non living materials. Organic gems such as amber, jet, and pearlare stones that are essentially fossils of once living material.
Mineral vs Rock: Mineral gemstones are naturally occurring compounds formed through various geological processes. An example is jade. Rubies and diamonds also fall into this category. A rock is a cohesive mixture of minerals. An example of this type of stone is the Lapis Lazuli.
Welsh Gold
Gold found in Wales was known to be mined by hand. Welsh gold forms in seams similar to coal which makes it easy to remove from the rock. There are no gold mines in Wales being worked today. The last 2 mines closed in 1999 however gold from these mines is still being offered which makes these pieces rare and collectable. Welsh princes often wore torc necklaces as a badge of rank Today this tradition continues with Welsh gold being used to make the wedding rings of a number of royal brides. The wedding rings of the Queen, the Prince of Wales, Princess Diana and Princess Margaret were designed from Welsh gold.
The Celtic Torc
The torc is a necklace that was typically worn by Britons, Iberians, and Gauls. The torc is said to have the symbolic meaning of nobility or high social status and was often awarded to warriors for their bravery in battle. The torc is a woven metal cord with two ends that meet. The ends are bulb-shaped and traditionally bore sculptured ornaments such as globes, cubes, animal heads and less commonly, human figures.
