Celtic Symbols of Love

The Claddagh

The Claddagh is perhaps one of the most iconic Irish emblems. The Claddagh ring first appeared in the seventeenth century and is linked to the small coastal village of Claddagh in County Galway. The Gaelic word ‘Cladach’ means rocky beach or shore. One of the oldest Claddagh rings, believed to be over 400 years old, made its way back to Galway recently and is now in the city’s museum.

The Claddagh has three symbols: The heart represents love; the crown represents loyalty; and the hands represent friendship. There are many stories about how the ring should be worn. It’s said that if you’re in love, wear the ring on your right hand with the point of the heart facing inward. This shows that your heart is taken. An unattached person would wear the ring with the heart pointing outward to show that you’re still searching for that special someone.

Growing up in Ireland, we were always told that the Claddagh means ‘I give you my heart and crown it with my love’. We love this simple sentiment. It means as much to us today as it did then.

The Celtic Knot

Celtic knots have long been associated with Celtic history. Typically, they are complete loops that have no beginning and no end, representing the interconnectedness of love, faith, relationships and life. Jewelry featuring a Celtic knot is often given as a gift to wish someone a long life and good luck.

Centuries ago, Christians used a triquetra (the Trinity knot) as a sign of the Holy Trinity. It has adorned ancient monuments, artwork and manuscripts and appears in the famous 9th century Book of Kells, housed in Trinity College, Dublin.

Today, Celtic knots are the inspiration for some of Ireland’s most beautiful jewelry, made by hand across the land. The knots are worn by women and men of all ages and are usually given as a gift to someone special in your life.

Here, at Baileo, the Celtic knot is central to our own story. We love what it represents and how we think about life.

Ogham

The Ogham script is one of the most fascinating aspects of Irish heritage and some say it dates back to the 1st century AD.

Crafted on sticks, stakes, trees and stones, the 25 unique symbols of its alphabet would be inscribed along a solid line, to be read vertically from bottom to top or left to right. Inscriptions are mostly people's names and were likely used to mark ownership, territories and graves. It was a language to be mostly read rather than spoken.

What would your name look like in Ogham?

There are only 400 stone monuments inscribed with the Ancient Ogham in Ireland and Britain. Most of the Irish stones can be found in Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

It’s an intriguing, visual language which is being kept alive by talented Irish artisans who create unique art, jewelry, pottery and more using this ancient script. It always makes for interesting conversation.

St Valentine

And if you are left in any doubt that Irish is the language of love St Valentine’s heart lies in the City of Dublin.