Ireland has its own, unique romantic charm. The natural landscape is rugged and wild, but it is dotted with cozy cottages and grand mansions with elegantly cultivated gardens. Swans glide along the rivers and canals. The rain makes a wonderful excuse to duck into a quiet corner of a little pub or to curl up in front of the fire at home.
Ireland’s own take on romance is reflected in symbols that have endured through the ages. From the ancient days of hand fasting at weddings to the modern craze to attach locks to the Ha’Penny Bridge, Ireland has always had a heart for love. Which Irish symbol of romance speaks to your heart?
The Famous Claddagh
The Claddagh is the most famous and widely loved Irish romantic symbol. This iconic motif features a heart held in two hands with a crown above it. The heart is love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. This design even has a romantic back story. Hundreds of years ago, a young fisherman was captured by pirates off the coast of Galway and sold into servitude. He worked for a goldsmith and designed a ring for the woman he loved back in Galway. When he became free, he found his way back to Galway and they wed.
Celtic Love Knots
Celtic knots of any design share one feature – they are endless. The lines form a continuous loop to represent eternity. Trinity knots are a specific design featuring three loops. Three was a very significant number to the ancient people of Ireland, who worshiped a triple goddess. It can represent the past, present and future or youth, adulthood and old age. The trinity knot got that name when it was used to represent the Christian holy trinity of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
The Classic Heart Motif
The heart represents love universally in cultures around the world. Everyone who has ever been in love and felt as if their heart was doing its own gymnastics understands why! It’s the central part of the Claddagh design, and it can feature in a design with other Celtic motifs for a distinctive look. It isn’t exclusively Irish, but the heart symbol can be part of many authentically Celtic jewelry designs.
Romantic Irish Bridal Jewelry
Of course, the most romantic jewelry is bridal jewelry. Engagement and wedding rings that use these traditional Celtic symbols of love make a beautiful statement about your connection.
Claddagh rings have long been used as both engagement and wedding rings when worn on the left ring finger. With the heart pointed out toward the tip of your finger, it says you are engaged. Turn it around so the point of the heart is toward the back of your hand, and it is a wedding ring.
Which romantic Irish symbol best captures your feelings for her?
