Irish gifts can really tell someone that you see and honor them, their roots and history and their interests and identity. Celtic designs are not only beautiful, they are also rich in meaning and symbolism. When you’re looking for the perfect present for someone special, finding the right piece of jewelry, mug, picture frame or other gift is even better when it features a meaningful design that says something about how you feel about the recipient.
Here are some of the most enduring and beloved Celtic designs that are popular on Irish gifts.
Trinity Knot
This elegant knot with three intertwined loops has no beginning or end. It has a few meanings. It can symbolize eternity or the past, present and future. Those meanings can be very romantic, so the trinity knot is featured in engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewelry. It can also have religious significance as the three parts of the knot can be seen to stand for the Christian trinity of God the father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit. A single trinity knot has a striking, bold look, and a design featuring many of them is intricate like lacework.
Claddagh
Named for a wee fishing village that’s now part of Galway City, this design has a beautiful love story behind it. It was created by a fisherman who was captured at sea and sold into servitude to a goldsmith. He learned the trade, and created this design for the woman he loved back home. Eventually, he gained his freedom, made his way back to Galway and presented her with the ring. They wed, and the Claddagh ring has been associated with Galway since then. The heart represents love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. Depending on how the classic Claddagh ring is worn, it can communicate that the wearer is married, engaged or single. For generations, it has been used to express romantic love and deep friendship.
Tree of Life
An ancient motif, the Celtic tree of life illustrates how important nature was to the earliest Irish civilizations. The roots plunge into the earth and circle upwards, while the branches arch out from the strong trunk. It represents the connections between all living things and between different generations, reminding us that the roots nourish the growth we see above ground. It’s a perfect symbol for an Irish gift celebrating strong ties to family and to one’s roots.
Irish gifts offer an opportunity to really make a statement beyond saying happy birthday, merry Christmas or congratulations on a wedding or graduation. With rich, meaningful motifs, you can say more. You can express every type of love – romantic, family or friendship – with the right symbolism on the perfect present. Whether the gift is a piece of elegant jewelry, a casual t-shirt or tote bag or something beautiful for the home such as a vase, mug or picture frame, the right motif is what will make it stand out.