Symbols of Ireland

The Importance of Symbols in Ireland

Celtic symbols and their meanings are an integral part of Irish heritage and culture. Such symbols help people feel connected and that they belong. They motivate people, encourage their loyalty and instill a sense of pride. Today these symbols are used to mark life events and to convey feelings as well as messages. Their growing popularity today can be seen in the proliferation of body tattoos and in the demand for clothes and jewelry with Celtic designs. Here are some of our favorites and you may be surprised by a few!

The Harp

The national emblem of Ireland the Irish harp is one of today’s most widely recognized Irish symbols. Since the 10th century it has been important to the Irish in symbolizing the country’s national spirit and rebellion to the extent that in the 16th century all harps were ordered to be burnt and harpists executed. The harp also embodies the importance of bards and musicians in ancient Ireland and the importance of music and dancing in modern day Ireland remains to this day. You can find the harp on the Irish passport, Irish coins, the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, and of course on a pint of Guinness!

The Celtic Cross

Perhaps the most familiar of symbols, they are to be found throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and with a fascinating history.

While the Celtic Cross is indeed a Christian symbol there is evidence that it has its roots in ancient pagan history. However, the distinctive nimbus or circle common to all Celtic Crosses first appeared in Ireland in the 16th century. It is a powerful representation of the aspirations of the Celts and is often interpreted as representing the four essential Elements of earth, fire, air and water.

 The Shamrock

The national flower of Ireland the shamrock is a small clover with three heart-shaped leaves. It was an important symbol to the ancient Irish druids because its three leaves represent the triad.

The Celts believed that everything necessary in the world comes in threes. St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the mystery of the Trinity – three persons in one God. With history repeating itself, the shamrock became another symbol of Irish nationalism and rebellion. In the 19th century anyone caught wearing it was executed.

Amélie Gagné Shamrock Pendant

The Shamrock has become a symbol of Ireland so what’s the difference between a shamrock and clover?. A clover must have three leaves to be considered a shamrock. If the clover has more or less, then it is not a shamrock. So, all shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks.

Our featured artist, jewelry designer Amélie Gagné, has crafted a lovely tribute to St Patrick in the form of a shamrock pendant. Wear it with pride whatever the month.

The Celtic Knot

There is more than one Celtic Knot! They all have one thing in common – they are loops and have no beginning or end, thus symbolizing eternal spiritual life. They embody roots, strength and bonds and represent the interconnectedness of love, faith, relationships and life.  One of the most well-known is the the Trinity Knot or the Triquetra which comes from the Latin ‘triquetrus’ meaning 3-cornered. It is formed of three interlinking arcs said to represent Land, Sea and Sky and it is a protective symbol. It appeared in The Book of Kells in the 9th century and is said to be the oldest symbol of spirituality.

The Baileo Knot

Here, at Baileo, the Celtic knot is central to our own story.  

We love what it represents and how we think about life. It is a simple quaternary knot that symbolizes the power of four. 

Four founders of Baileo - spread across the globe, forever united as family.

Four corners of the world - to which Celtic people journey and make their home.

Four Celtic festivals that we celebrate - Samhain, Beltane, Imbolc and Lughnasadh.

Four elements that fuel every aspect of life - earth, air, water, fire.

Four seasons - present in the world at any one time: spring, summer, autumn, winter.

Four fires of the legendary Queen Brighid - who inspired those around her to:

·      learn through the head

·      connect through the heart

·      take action through the hands

·      feel at home by the hearth

The Triskele

The triskele (also known as the triskelion) is one of the oldest Irish symbols, again representing the Celts’ belief in the power of the triad.  Many of these can be found on the ancient stones of Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb which, at over 5,000 years old, is estimated to be more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge. It’s a ‘must-see’ if you ever visit Ireland. Renowned jeweler, Declan Killen, features the triskele on his magnificent silver cufflinks which, no surprise here, he named Newgrange.