Celtic Symbols

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Celtic Symbols

Celtic symbols are rich in timeless Celtic history and mythology. So if you are a DIY crafter or jewelry designer who loves adding timeless Celtic symbols to your necklaces, charm bracelets, vintage jewelry, and other creations, welcome to our special Celtic Symbols collection of 925 sterling silver charms and pendants.

The ancient history of the Celts runs alongside the Roman Empire and personages like Julius Cesar. So Celtic history is our history as well. Add stunning detail to your creations with beautiful charms like the Celtic love knot, Celtic luck symbol, the strength knot, the Celtic wisdom symbol, and more!

Xinar.com’s sterling silver charms are among the best globally, made with the traditional lost wax casting method.

It is an intricate method of casting silver that requires the wizened hands of seasoned masters who create the master from scratch before overseeing the production of the five- or ten-dollar charms you now see in our online charms store. While 3D printing has helped some phases of the process, the unique skill of artisans still leads the way for the highest quality Celtic pendants that you can add to your designs.

Do you need hypoallergenic sterling silver charms?

Xinar’s silver charms are incredibly detailed, and they are also free of nickel and lead! That means you won’t have to worry about people getting rashes when they wear your jewelry. Instead, design jewelry easily and make family, friends, and customers happy, minus the nickel allergy.

What Do Celtic Symbols Mean?

Who Were the Celts?

Celtic mythology is one of Europe’s most enthralling mythologies because of its mixture of adventure, heroism, romance, and magic. After the Roman conquests, the Celts, once a populace that ruled over much of Europe, were reduced to a few scattered tribes. However, later Irish and Welsh monks who recorded the stories ensured that their mythology would live on for future generations.

Around 1000 BCE, a people group known as the Celts spread across Europe. Ancient Britons lived in an area stretching from the British Isles to Turkey when they were most potent. Rome and Delphi were plundered during their conquest of northern Italy and Macedonia. However, the Romans held them highly because of their well-deserved reputation as fierce and courageous warriors.

Around 225 BC, the Roman army first defeated the Celts, ending the Celtic expansion. By 84 CE, most of Britain had fallen under Roman control after years of Roman advance. At the same time, the Germanic peoples of central Europe conquered the Celts. As a result, Celtic traditions were passed down in only a few areas of the British Isles, such as Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Ireland, Scots, and Welsh are among six groups of Celts that have survived today. Cornwall and Brittany are the other groups of Celtics.

They were neither a people group nor an ethnicity when the ancient Celts lived. There was no central government to unite them; instead, they were a diverse group of people tied together by language, customs, and religion. They worked the land, cultivating crops and raising livestock. Except for the impressive hill forts, there were no settlements. However, large numbers of Celts began to assemble at specific settlement sites around 100 BCE to trade with one another.

There was a distinct hierarchy in Celtic society. The king of a particular tribe or group of people was the highest-ranking official. The Druids, warriors, knights, commoners, and farmers comprised the classes in each Celtic tribe.

Aristocratic Druids were revered and influential people. In addition to their roles as priests, they also performed judges, teachers, and consultants. The Druids were also widely believed to have magical abilities.

Deirdre, the protagonist of the Ulster Cycle, is a stunningly beautiful woman. After a brief courtship, the young woman is taken by Naoise to Scotland, where the two begin a new life together. Unfortunately, the king kills Naoise when they return. When Deirdre is forced to live with Conchobhar, she never smiles and lets the king know how much she despises him. The story concludes with Deirdre hitting her head on a rock and killing herself. Later Irish writers were moved by Deirdre’s account and used it as inspiration for their works of literature.

The Celts worshiped deities, or gods, that appeared in Celtic folklore. Most were all-powerful local deities that had specialized roles. Each tribe had its god who protected and provided for the welfare of that tribe. Some of them resembled one another in some way. For example, there are many similarities between Dagda (the Irish god of life and death) and Esus (the “master” Gaulish deity).

Some deities had more clearly defined roles. Some of these deities included the sun god Lug (also known as Lugus), revered for his role in the arts, warfare, and healing, and the animal and fertility god Cernunnos, who had horns. In addition, there were numerous critical female deities among the Celts.

Brigit, the goddess of healing, learning, and metalworking, was another essential deity. Finally, Epona, the horse-goddess, was revered as a goddess of birth, the water, and the afterlife.

The mythology of the ancient Celts was rich and varied, containing hundreds of stories. However, their myths were not written down but were passed down orally. Roman sources are the primary source of information on Celtic mythology’s gods, heroes, and villains. The Romans and the Celts had a long history of conflict, and as a result, Roman descriptions of Celtic beliefs were often hostile.

The otherworld of the Celts appeared in numerous myths. For example, it is said that the gods and spirits who lived in this enigmatic location never aged because there was no such thing as labor or death there. According to the Celts, humans could enter this enchanted land via burial mounds known as sidhe, caves, or lakes or complete a dangerous journey. Irish myths from the pre-Christian era tell the story of how various Celtic gods and humans came to inhabit the island.

Celtic Tree of Life

The Druids are often associated with the Celtic Tree of Life because of their intricately woven branches and roots.

On the other hand, the roots go deep into the ground while the branches soar upwards. Among the ancient Celts, the Tree of Life symbolized symbiosis and equilibrium. Crann Bethadh, the Irish name for this Celtic symbol, represents that heaven and earth are intimately connected. According to the Celts, the trees housed the spirits of their ancestors, serving as a conduit between this world and the next.

The Celts revered strength, longevity, and wisdom, who used the Celtic Tree of Life symbol. The ancients also saw the tree as a symbol of rebirth. Symbolically, the Celtic tree of life shows that every root is connected to every branch above ground.

 

Celtic Cross

Since the early Middle Ages, the Celtic Cross has been a common sight in Ireland. It is the most recognizable of the many Celtic symbols. Kilkenny and Laois are home to some of the earliest examples of Celtic Cross symbols in Ireland, dating back to the 8th or 9th century.

Smaller than the surviving stone-carved pillars found all over Ireland, these crosses were most likely made of wood or metal in the early stages of construction. Many crosses were carved into rock during the Middle Ages, but they evolved and were built as separate monoliths or standing stones over time.

The Celtic Cross’s significance has been the subject of numerous interpretations. Many see the four arms representing the four cardinal directions on our planet (north, south, east, and west).

 

Dara Knot

The Dara Celtic Knot is another well-known Celtic symbol. The name ‘Doire,’ which means “oak tree” in Irish, is derived from this symbol’s interwoven design.

An ancient oak’s root system is symbolized by the Dara Knot, which gets its name from this word. Dara Knot has no beginning or end like other Celtic knot symbols and is composed of intertwined lines.

The Dara Celtic Knot is not a single design, but all variations are based on the oak tree and its roots. Celtics and Druids revered nature, particularly oak trees, and held them in high esteem. Likewise, the ancients revered the oak tree to symbolize endurance, sagacity, and fortitude.

Like the roots of the oak tree, the Dara Celtic knot is a symbol of inner strength and power.

They were used to decorate, ward off evil spirits, and aid in the education of children. The intricate symbolism of the Dara Celtic Knot, associated with nature and oak trees, clearly symbolized strength. The ancient Celts would turn to the symbol for strength and inner wisdom when faced with adversity.

 

Ailm

The Dara Knot and the Ailm are two traditional Celtic symbols of strength. Even though the visual appearance of the symbols varies greatly, the underlying meanings are consistent across all of them.

In the Celtic Ogham alphabet, the first letter is known as Ailm. As a primitive type of written communication, the Ogham has initially been a group of trees regarded as a source of spiritual guidance.

The silver fir tree is a conifer, like the Ailm. In Celtic mythology, evergreen fir trees were associated with healing a person’s inner soul.

We know why the Celts regarded trees as the ultimate symbol of strength. In the face of adversity, trees like oaks can grow and thrive for hundreds of years.

The Ailm is a potent symbol of strength, endurance, resilience, well-being, healing, and purification.

 

Triquetra

There isn’t a single ancient Celtic knot that represents the concepts of eternal love, strength, and family unity in a universally understood way.

As a spiritual symbol, the Triquetra is widely considered the oldest. Book of Kells depicts it in the 9th century, while Norwegian stave churches described it in the 11th century.

The Trinity Knot and Celtic Triangle, the Triquetra’s intricate design, shows a circle entwined with an endless three-point symbol.

This Celtic Knot symbolizes eternal spiritual life and unity with no beginning and no end. The symbol line flows seamlessly through the circle. There is a widespread belief that this symbol represents the Holy Trinity as taught in early Celtic Christian teachings. Rings can also be used to symbolize the unity of the human spirit. The circle safeguards the symbolic nature.

 

Triskelion

An ancient Celtic symbol known as the Triskele, the Triskelion dates back to Neolithic times (around 3,200 years ago) in Ireland. The Celtic belief that everything necessary comes in threes is reflected once again in this spiral symbol.

Spiraling clockwise from a central hub, the Triskelion looks like the Manx tri-legged symbol. The Triskele, the Greek word for “three-legged,” is a noun. The Triskelion, also known as the triple spiral, is a common motif in Celtic art and architecture. It has rotational symmetry. The sun or ethereal radiation energy is represented by the Celtic spiral, one of the world’s oldest and most primitive ornaments.

According to legend, the anti-clockwise Celtic spirals are associated with witchcraft and deceit because they are thought to be symbols of nature manipulation.

The Celtic Triskelion is interpreted as a symbol of strength and progress because of its three legs. Symbolizing a person’s ability to keep moving forward despite obstacles, the Triskelion appears to be moving.

 

Irish Harp

There are several non-Celtic symbols here, but the Harp is the first. The Irish Harp is the country’s unofficial national anthem, and it is still frequently seen on currency and other official documents.

In addition to the can and bottle labels, you can find the shamrock on Irish Euro coins and Guinness packaging. Harps have long been associated with Ireland, and their symbolism has been interpreted as a metaphor for the immortality of the human soul.

Indeed, the British people held the Harp in such high regard that the instrument and its players were outlawed in the 16th century to sever cultural ties. The Irish Harp symbol and the Irish flag are among the most well-known Irish Celtic symbols.

 

Shamrock

Another one of the many Irish symbols commonly misinterpreted as a Celtic one is the Shamrock. Yet, this tiny bright green three-leafed plant thrives in cool, damp conditions all over Ireland and beyond.

According to folklore, finding a clover with four distinct leaves is a sign of good fortune. In addition, Ireland’s national flower, the shamrock, has a long history of symbolism.

Druids are said to have used the shamrock as a sacred symbol. Druids believed that the three heart-shaped leaves symbolized the triad, according to legend.

 

Serch Bythol

The Serch Bythol is less well-known than other symbols, but it dramatically demonstrates how emotionally and relationally aware the early Celts were. As a symbol of eternal love, the Serch Bythol symbol comprises two Celtic knots (triskeles). It represents two people who are bound together in body, mind, and spirit forever. The side-by-side design of this symbol is thought to represent eternal love and the interconnected flow of lines without end.

The central circle represents the everlasting love that binds the picture’s symmetrical left and right halves together in one whole.

 

Motherhood Knot

As a symbol of the mother and child, this knot is an intricate and stunning design. For centuries, the Celtic Motherhood Knot has symbolized motherly love, the belief in God, and the Celtic heritage of the wearer. This Celtic symbol depicts an unbreakable, eternal bond of love and life.

This two-heart knot has no beginning or end in Celtic tradition. Dots, heart symbols, or other symbols may be placed inside or outside the heart design to indicate children’s age. Symbols for each child can be added as the family grows.

Sterling Silver 25mm Celtic Luck Symbol Pendant

$5.50

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 7/8″ x 1″

• 2.2 grams

• Hollow back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$6.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 3/4″ x 1-1/2″

• 2.6 grams

• Flat back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$8.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 5/8″ x 1-3/8″

• 3.5 grams

• Flatback

• Heavy Bail on Top

Add to cart

$7.50

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 5/8″ x 1-3/8″

• 2.7 grams

• Flatback

• Heavy Bail on Top

Add to cart

$9.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 1″ x 1-1/4″

• 5.3 grams

• Flatback

• Heavy Bail on Top

Add to cart

$10.95

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 3/4″ x 1-1/8″

• 4.2 grams

• 3-D

• Heavy Bail

Add to cart

$7.95

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 7/8″ x 1-1/4″

• 3.0 grams

• Flat back

• Bail on top

Add to cart

$4.50

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 3/4″ x 1-1/4″

• 1.5 grams

• Flat back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$10.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 1-1/8″ x 1-3/8″

• 4.3 grams

• Flatback

• Heavy Bail on Top

Add to cart

$6.95

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 7/16″ x 1-1/4″

• 2.5 grams

• Flat back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$8.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 1″ x 1-1/2″

• 3.6 grams

• Flat back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$6.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 1/2 x1-1/4″

• 2.5 grams

• Hollow back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$9.75

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 3/4″ x 1-3/4″

• 3.7 grams

• Hollow back

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

$9.50

Specifications

• Purity .925

• Size 5/8″ x  1-3/8″

• 3.7 grams

• Flatback

• Heavy bail

Add to cart

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