Understanding
Celtic Wedding Rings
by: Marc Choyt
Thousands
of years ago, the Celts, a group of independent tribes spread
throughout much of current day Europe, were sophisticated artisans,
carving knot work patterns that have inspired modern day jewelers
to create wedding rings. These motifs have meaning. Yet understanding
the knot patterns and why they make such ideal wedding rings
can be illusive. The ancient motifs are rooted in mysterious
cultures that stretch back well before written history.
Though
the earliest written accounts of the Celts were from Roman descriptions,
some knot work motifs found in Eastern Europe may be as old
as 20,000 years. We know the Celts, similar to Native people
of North America, viewed that the earth itself as well as all
aspects of life and death as divine. They had a large and varied
pantheon, worshipping local gods. The natural world was considered
sacred, and every river, mountain and tree had its own spirit
of place. Rituals were rooted in a particular oak grove or waterfall.
Early Celtic leaders even mocked human-like images of Olympian
gods or the wild animals of their vale and forests.
Knot
work, which has become synonymous with today's idea of "Celtic"
was undoubtedly a form of sacred, artistic expression. Some
of the most famous designs were preserved in highly embellished,
illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells which somehow
survived the Viking invasions. It was created in the 9th century
at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and depicts wonderfully
imaginative images of humans and animals embellished with knot
work motifs, linking medieval Christianity with ancient Druidic
culture.
In
Western culture, there is a long and venerable tradition of
artists that have been inspired by knot work motifs. Celtic
design was particularly popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo
da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and depicted knots
in their work. In modern times, some of Picasso's early art
is highly influenced by knot work. And there has always been
a group of metal and visual artists that have kept the Celtic
fires burning by using the knot work patterns in jewelry and
other forms of artistic expression.
For
some people, the choice to have a Celtic wedding ring is an
expression of their wish to connect deeply into their own ancestry.
They feel empathy with a European based tribal tradition that
treats the earth as Mother. It's also easy to fall in love with
soulful Celtic music and poetry. Others simply want the one
piece of jewelry that they wear every day to have a beautiful
design with significance.
Whether
one has Celtic heritage or not, a Celtic motif wedding ring
is appropriate because it has universal, symbolic meaning. In
the most general sense, the knots express two different paths
woven together. Life itself can be viewed as a great web of
interconnectedness which is expressed in the knot work. Even
our own spiritual path, metaphorically, can be viewed as a tapestry
of interconnected experiences. The Celtic wedding ring is a
talisman which reminds us, in physical form, of our mystic connection
with another person and the great web of life.
This
weave of particular experiences makes us unique, which is why
we are attracted to some knot work patterns on wedding rings
more than others. What appeals to you and your fiancé
may well bring insight to the nature of your relationship. Some
couples are attracted to knot work motifs that are simple and
flowing, which perhaps illustrates a partnership based on harmony
and ease. Other knot work designs on wedding rings are more
dynamic and complicated, suggesting creative elements, or passionate
peaks and valleys.
Many
Celtic merchants will label a particular design as "Friendship"
or "Unity" but often there's not any real basis for
these labels. These facile tags short change the person interested
in the ring by giving a concept instead of assisting them to
understand the deeper meaning behind the design. It's also easy
enough to say that the ring is about how all things are interconnected,
but this is so general that it doesn't help explain why we may
be attracted to the sacred geometry of one ring over another.
To
do this, you can contemplate the various components that make
up the knot work and try to determine how they are functioning.
For example, consider the circle. We speak of a circle of friends
and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the season.
Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in protective
circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles
certainly has some important keys to relationships and community.
In the broadest sense, the ring itself is a circle, and putting
it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.
A square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings
use the shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have
an element of stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic
lore, and the number five represented the four directions and
the center point.
Many
Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain
direction. If you look at the shape of an arrow, it's easy to
understand why a triangle might connote movement.
Another
common Celtic motif is the knot work depicting a trinity. Many
Celtic deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood
to the maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as
heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die.
Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One being dividing
off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and son--a
mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.
While
the above guide for understanding knot work is not necessarily
based on any scholarly or anthropological text on the meaning
of knots, it does provide a starting point that is based on
a universal perspective. Every Celtic ring is going to have
some variation of these shapes. Spending some time contemplating
the motif may yield some insight.
Though
modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities
than the Celts had during the time of the Romans, finding an
exceptional Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may
not be possible. The best place to search is on the internet,
which has the widest selection. Today you can find rings made
with platinum, or white and yellow gold accented with diamonds.
Some of the most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where the knots
are one color, such as white gold, while the rim of the ring
might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of class and price.
Your wedding ring is a once in a life time purchase that you
will live with every day. It must be aesthetically beautiful.
The knot work on the rings should be well executed. It should
have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be explained
on the website.
The
best jewelry designers offer engagement ring sets, along with
the option of having a wider band for the gent and a narrower
of the same knot work motif for the lady. You'll want it comfort
fit, which means that the band tapers slightly toward the center,
making it easy to wear. Since it is very likely within the course
of a marriage that you'll gain or loose twenty pounds, it is
most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.
The
company you choose should have a record of creditability backed
up by customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them
a call and see if they are worthy of doing business with. A
track record of timely delivery is also essential. It's not
uncommon for a ring from outside the US to be held up by Customs,
for example.
Finally, the most important thing is to trust your feelings.
The rings should be unique and resonate with your own profound,
sacred connection and commitment to your beloved.
Marc
Choyt
Reflective Images
http://www.artisanweddingrings.com
