Meanwhile in Ireland

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

    What's Hot

    Irish Film Review Series: An Irish Goodbye

    March 16, 2023

    Wicklow teen farmer might have found the world’s biggest egg

    March 16, 2023

    10 CONTROVERSIAL reasons Beamish is BETTER than Guinness

    March 15, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Meanwhile in Ireland
    • Home
    • News
    • Craic
    • Sports
    • More
      • Culture
      • Dublin
      • Funny
      • Irish People
      • Interesting News
      • Satire
      • The Drink!
      • Travel
      • TV and Movies
      • Viral
    • Shop
    Facebook YouTube Instagram TikTok
    Meanwhile in Ireland
    You are at:Home » News » Culture » The Irish Celtic symbol for family
    Culture History Ireland Irish People Irish Stories

    The Irish Celtic symbol for family

    Meanwhile in IrelandBy Meanwhile in IrelandJuly 7, 2020No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share:
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Email

    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.

    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.

    Triskelion – the Irish Celtic symbol for family

    The Triskelion is the Irish Celtic symbol for family.
    Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

    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.

    Triquetra/Trinity Knot – one of the most recognisable symbols

    The Trinity Knot is one of the most recognisable Irish celtic 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

    Serch Bythol is a popular design for engagement and wedding rings.
    Credit: @freshoffthesaw / Instagram

    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.

    A Claddagh ring – ­for jewellery popular worldwide

    The Claddagh rings are extremely popular in Ireland and around the world.
    Credit: @claddaghring / Instagram

    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.  

    St. Brigid’s Cross – pre-dating Christianity

    St Bridgid's Cross is a very important Irish Celtic symbol that predates Christianity.
    Credit: @tracygilbertdesigns / Instagram

    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 1st) to mark the beginning of spring.

    Celtic Tree of Life – representing eternal life and love

    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?

    Irish Celtic cross.

    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!

    Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Avatar photo
    Meanwhile in Ireland

    Meanwhile in Ireland is a celebration of all that is weird and wonderful about Ireland! We are one of Ireland’s most popular humour websites, specialising in news, viral videos and general Irish craic. Launched in 2014, Meanwhile in Ireland has cultivated a community of over 600,000 social media followers, with over 200,000 monthly page views on MeanwhileinIreland.com.

    Related Posts

    Wicklow teen farmer might have found the world’s biggest egg

    By Conor WickhamMarch 16, 2023

    10 CONTROVERSIAL reasons Beamish is BETTER than Guinness

    By Jade PoleonMarch 15, 2023

    Top 10 GREATEST Irish racehorses of all time, RANKED

    By Conal HunterMarch 15, 2023

    Top 10 Irish NAMES you can’t trust, RANKED

    By Katie MorrisMarch 14, 2023
    Latest Articles

    Irish Film Review Series: An Irish Goodbye

    March 16, 2023

    Wicklow teen farmer might have found the world’s biggest egg

    March 16, 2023

    10 CONTROVERSIAL reasons Beamish is BETTER than Guinness

    March 15, 2023

    Top 10 GREATEST Irish racehorses of all time, RANKED

    March 15, 2023
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    Don't Miss

    10 Irish foods & dishes you need to try

    By Nicola SpendloveMay 18, 2020

    With a whole island to munch your way around, the choice can be overwhelming. That’s…

    GardaĂ­ arrest seven year-old-girl for ‘breaking lockdown restrictions’

    May 15, 2020

    The Banshees of Inisherin leads nominations for this year’s Golden Globes

    December 12, 2022

    Over €129,000 raised for Helplink Coldtober campaign

    December 1, 2021

    Subscribe to our Newsletter!

    We specialise in Bizarre Irish News, Viral Videos and general Irish Craic.

    • Home
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Guests Posts
    • Team
    • Work for us
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Copyright
    • Shop
    Follow us

    Connect with us on your favourite social media app.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube TikTok
    Contact us

    19 Arthur St, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 4GA.

    [email protected]

    Subscribe to our Newsletter!

    ©Copyright 2019 - Meanwhile in Ireland | Trading under Emerald Green Media

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.