Knot Symbolism in Celtic Engagement Rings
The Celts were the main inhabitants of Britain up until the Roman invasion, until they were marginalized and actively hunted by the invaders. The culture survived, despite the Rome’s best efforts, and indeed enjoyed a resurgence once the empire collapsed. Celtic engagement rings and jewelry in general build on this history, inferring it into their designs.
One of the signatures of the Celtic tradition is it’s jewelry. As far as we know, the Celtic civilization had no writing until after the 2nd century, so not much written record of them exist. The hardiness of their work with metal has enabled it to survive almost in isolation, giving us a glimpse into their world. The designs are bold, and symbolic of how the Celts viewed the world around them.
The knot is probably the best known design feature of Celtic jewelry. The first examples of knotwork appear around the 7th century and is believed to originate from Irish missionaries who traveled to Britain around that time. The missionaries brought their goods to trade and the knot was soon integrated into local culture and artwork.
Modern study of Celtic knots show a startling similarity between it and Egyptian work. Coptic and Celtic show many similarities in language and design, and a theory suggests a common foundation that split as each culture took its own way.
Many modern Celtic engagement ring designs reflect their Pagan roots. The knot signaled the arrival of Christianity, which came with the later Romans. Britain was slow to embrace the new religion and it was long after Rome fell that the island could be considered truly Christian.
The knot, used on Celtic engagement rings is believed to be the Celtic version of the cross. In many traditional knot designs, the cross was inserted somewhere within it. Either in space, or within the strands of the knot. The Triquetera knot, also called the Trinity knot, is the most well known. It is commonly featured in Celtic jewelry, and in Christian works this knot has been used as a reference to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Historians have rejected claims that knots also symbolize love, eternity, strength, courage and other positive notions due to lack of evidence. But, given the Celtic culture’s habit of using art to express such things, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. There simply isn’t the evidence available to confirm or deny such anything.
Although we have mentioned Celtic engagement rings throughout this article, the Celts had no such thing. Their rings had many uses, and many meanings. As far as history tells us, engagement rings are very recent innovations. What we use as Celtic engagement rings were originally designed as gifts or symbols of courage, love and respect.
In the end, Celtic engagement rings can mean whatever you want them to mean. Which makes them unique in that you can take or leave the history of the culture as you see fit.
About the Author
Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and bridal jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.
www.shoppingarticlesandpieces.com
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