The Irish Celtic symbol for family

Looking for a gift for a loved one, or an idea for a new tattoo? Delve deeper in the rich world of Celtic mythology with our guide to the Irish Celtic symbol for family.

In recent years, interest in Celtic symbolism has seen a revival. Whether as a tattoo or incorporated into a piece of jewellery, people have been using these ancient symbols to reconnect them to their Celtic heritage all over the world.

There is a rich world of culture and mystery ready to be explored within Celtic mythology, and those who have descended from these ancient people have found great meaning in their symbols of love, life and strength.

There is not one specific Irish Celtic symbol for family, but several. Learn more about them below.

A quick overview of the Irish Celtic symbol for family

• The famous Claddagh ring is a popular gift between family members. This is due to the fact that the heart within the ring symbolises love, the hands represent friendship, and the crown loyalty.
• St Brigid’s cross, the origins of which pre-date Christianity, is associated with Mother’s Day. St Brigid was the ancient goddess for fire and life in Ireland.
• The Triskelion stands as the Irish Celtic symbol for family. The three conjoined spirals represent sacred sets of three and is a symbol for familial strength.
• The Trinity Knot is also used to represent family within Irish Celtic history, standing for the likes of eternity and unity.
• Much like the Triskelion, the Serch Bythol is a symbol for ever-lasting love. This is another Irish Celtic symbol used for families and couples alike.

Triskelion – the Irish Celtic symbol for family

This recognisable Irish Celtic symbol for family consists of three conjoined spirals and rotational symmetry. The three-sided nature of the design is common in Celtic symbolism, with three being a sacred number to the Celts.

It is often used to symbolise sacred sets of three. For example, birth, life death, the past, present and future, and the three trimesters of human pregnancy. This symbol is often used as a symbol for the strength of familial bonds and overcoming of adversity.

Read more: Delve more into the symbols and read Meanwhile in Ireland’s article on the top 10 Irish Celtic symbols and their meanings

Triquetra/Trinity Knot – one of the most recognisable symbols

This famous Celtic knot symbol is perhaps one of the most recognisable Irish Celtic symbols out there. You might be familiar with it from various pieces of jewellery, or from the popular 90s TV show Charmed, but this symbol is actually one of the oldest pieces of imagery out there.

The design consists of one continuous line interweaving around itself, and is thought to symbolise unity, eternal spiritual life, and the trinity of soul, heart, and mind. This symbol can also be used to signify the enduring nature of family lineage and love. 

Serch Bythol – a popular design for engagement and wedding rings

This ancient Celtic symbol is made up of two triskeles and has been a popular design for engagement and wedding rings in recent years.

Echoing the symbolism of the Triskelion, this is a symbol for everlasting love. It is said to represent two people joining together in body, mind and spirit. This is a popular symbol for new families and couples.

Related: Here are 10 Irish prayers and blessings for friends and family

A Claddagh ring – ­for jewellery popular worldwide

Beyond Ireland, The Claddagh ring has proven very popular in jewellery all over the world. The heart of the ring is said to symbolise love, while the hands are said to represent friendship and the crown symbolising loyalty.

For this reason, it has proven popular in gifts for family members in the emerald isle and beyond. It would go nicely along with any one of these Irish prayers or blessings for friends and family.

Read: See our article on the meaning of the Claddagh ring for more information on this

St. Brigid’s Cross – pre-dating Christianity

Often associated with the feast day of Christian saint St. Brigid of Kildare, the origins of this intricate cross pre-date Christianity itself.

The symbol is also associated with an ancient Irish goddess of fire and life, and is often associated with motherhood, making it the perfect symbol to incorporate into Mother’s Day cards or gifts.

While the country was converted to Christianity on a whole, it seems as though the love that ancient Irish people had for this goddess proved too strong to be completely eradicated. As such, she was transformed into the saint that Irish people are familiar with today.

The cross is traditionally woven out of rushes and sometimes straw on the feast of Imbolc/St. Brigid’s Day (traditionally celebrated on February 1^st) to mark the beginning of spring.

Read: Have a look at this in depth article on St Brigid’s Cross: the meaning and history of the Irish symbol

Celtic Tree of Life – representing eternal life and love

Trees were of great significance to our ancestors. To Celtic people, these ancient living beings were considered sacred.

Each native tree to Ireland was thought to represent something different, for example the Oak tree became a symbol of strength and wisdom, while the bark of the Hazel tree was used to ward of malevolent energies.

Trees were thought to represent eternal life and love, making them great symbols for family. Why not treat a loved one to a unique piece of jewellery or a gift with the Celtic Symbol of life carved into it?

While much remains unknown about our ancient Celtic ancestors and their way of life, their symbols of family, love and life have managed to endure the test of time.

Whether you live in Ireland, or you simply want to learn more about this fascinating culture and believes, the Irish Celtic symbol for family could serve as a starting point on a road of discovery. There is much to learn from our ancestors, so get exploring!

NEXT: For more on Celtic history, read our article on Celtic Regions: where the Celts come from and have lived for 3,000+ years

Your questions answered on the Irish Celtic symbol for family

While you have read our article, you may still have some other questions you would like answered about the Irish Celtic symbol for family. Not to worry! Here, we have put together the most frequently asked questions about this topic to us and from online.

What is the Celtic symbol for family protection?

The Shield Knot is a Celtic symbol for protection. St Brigid’s Cross, which is also mentioned in this article, is used to protect homes from fire, hunger and evil spirits.

Is there a symbol for family?

The family tree and family pictograph are widely regarded as being a symbol for family. Other symbols include the Tree of Life, The Hearth, and the Statute of Lar.

What is the symbol of protector of family?

The Tree of Life has been used as a symbol of protector of family, with its deep foots and firm foundations that can be rooted in family life.

What is the Celtic symbol for the bond between mother and son?

The Celtic Motherhood knot symbolises the unbreakable bond between a mother and child. It is a never-ending knot which symbolises the never-ending love a mother has for a child.