The traditions that accompany Celtic wedding bands are many. Each style of ring stands for different traditions. These rings actually date back to the eight hundreds and have brought with them a timeless history that was first created by Irish monks. Despite the changes that have occurred during the centuries these rings are still chosen for their uniqueness and their representation of what the uniting of a couple really means. The rings symbolize commitment but there is more to them than that.
Some of the patterns seen on these wedding bands stood for the five stages of life. These stages were birth, teenage years, adulthood, the senior years and finally death. Others interpreted these stages as the elements fire, earth, water, air and spirit. No matter which way you interrupt what the wedding bands say they represent a lifelong commitment to a love that will never end.
When these rings were first worn they were gold or silver. Over time this changed as did the preference of wedding couples on what their bands are made of. Now they might be made of titanium or platinum. It all depends on what the couple wants. Often the Celtic wedding bands are made of more than one metal to give it a particular appearance. If the rings have precious stones in them they are almost always diamonds. Sometimes they will have emeralds because the color green represents certain things to the Irish people. Green is the color of fertility, contentment and financial success.
One of the styles of these rings is called the Claddagh wedding band. It specifically represents love as well as friendship and what better elements could there possibly be for a life together? This style has a heart which is encircled by two hands. It also has a crown over the heart. The Claddagh band is named after the town of the same name in Ireland. These rings are supposed to have first been made when a fisherman was captured by pirates and sold. He was taught to make jewelry by his captors who told him he would be their slave for the rest of his life. Yet, years later he was freed and able to return to the lady he loved. It was a ring in the style he had been making that he made for her when they married. Afterwards he opened a store and sold these rings. These rings tell a story based on how they are worn. If they are on the right hand but the heart points out then the person wearing it is single. If it is on the same hand and the heart is worn pointing in then the person is in a relationship. But if this ring is worn on the left hand and the heart in facing in then these Celtic wedding bands are saying that person is married, they are happy and they will stay with their spouse until the end.
Celtic weddings bands also come in other styles. There is the Celtic knot. There are several different styles of knots. One is the Trinity knot which has three triangles that connect. Some say these three represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Others say it is a knot representing love and it’s never ending flow. Another is the Triskele knot which has three spirals that intertwine. These are said to be there as three steps in life; birth, protection and death. Yes some say if these wedding bands are what you and your spouse choose to wear you are likely looking at them as a symbol of fertility, love and reincarnation.
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