Choosing a Celtic wedding ring can be the beginning of an interesting journey into Celtic symbolism.
The delicate knot work and spirals found on today’s wedding bands and Celtic engagement rings are meaningful as well as beautiful.
If you are curious about the deeper significance of modern wedding designs, we can help you understand how the symbols became important links with the history of the Celtic people.
Celtic Symbols Have Evolved Over Thousands Of Years
In the sixth Century, a pivotal art movement began in the British Isles. The artisans of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales began to use intricate knot work and spiral designs to add ornate beauty and spiritual meaning to stone crosses, metal work, and illuminated texts.
This period is now known as the Insular Art Movement, and it was the first time the Celtic symbols we see on today’s wedding rings designs were used on a wide scale.
For centuries, the Irish, in particular, were renowned for their mastery of metal work. They crafted many treasures out of gold, silver, and encrusted jewels. Throughout the world, the skill and artistry of Irish metal workers was a source of wonder.
One example of a stunning Irish art treasure is the Ardagh Chalice, a large gold, silver and bronze cup covered in jewel inlays and Celtic symbols.
Another brilliant creation that defined the Insular art period was The Book Of Kells, an illuminated text that depicts the Gospels. Many pages feature knot work borders, zoomorphic (animal) symbols, and pictures of mythical creatures.
Many Celtic symbols found on today’s wedding rings can be traced back thousands of years to the times of the Druids. When Ireland converted to Christ, the symbols and their meanings evolved to reflect the One True God.
Ancient Celtic crosses with their distinctive ringed centers are thought to be a relic of Pagan nature worship. The circle at the midpoint of each cross was an early symbol of the Sun. Today, the circle at the middle of each Celtic Cross is believed to symbolize eternity.
Today’s Rings – What They Mean
The ring in the image above features delicate Trinity Knots, fashioned by hand from white gold. Set against a warm, contrasting yellow gold band, the knot work seems to carry a sense of mystery and mysticism.
The Trinity Knot is a symbol of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. This three-pointed (trefoil) knot is an homage to the power and glory of God. Choosing such a ring is an expression of faith and love.
Trinity Knots are uniquely appropriate for wedding jewelry, because a wedding is also a joining of two souls before God. Many brides enjoy the spiritual symbolism of Trinity Knot Wedding Rings.
Interestingly, the Shamrock, an important Irish symbol, is also based on the Holy Trinity. Saint Patrick used the simple, three-leaf plant to show the existence of God in nature.
Other symbols that appear on today’s Celtic wedding rings are borrowed from the Ardagh Chalice itself. Wedding bands with warrior shield designs just like those found on the chalice are symbols of loyalty and strength.
Men and women alike enjoy wearing Celtic shield designs on their wedding rings. These rings can also feature spiral or whorl patterns that illustrate the journey of the body and the spirit throughout all the stages of life. Each turn of the spiral represents another stage of existence, and the cycles of life, death, and spiritual rebirth.
As you can see, the fascinating symbols of Celtic history remain alive today in Celtic engagement rings and bands. Connecting with the past can be another wonderful aspect of your wedding celebration.