ICONIC CELTIC GIFTS
Need some inspiration for a Celtic or Irish gift idea? Then look no further than our collection of products inspired by Irish heritage and Celtic mythology, handcrafted by talented designers from all across the island of Ireland. Each crafted souvenir is an embodiment of thousands of years of art and storytelling, which Gifts of Ireland is proud to present.
ANCIENT CELTIC ART
Also known as insular art (from the Latin insula meaning 'island'), Celtic designs were eventually adapted by early Christian artists to adorn their works (most famously with the Book of Kells) and to acclimatize Christianity to the local pagan populations.
The most iconic features of Celtic art were the knots, known as icovellavna, which formed stylized patterns for illustration and calligraphy, such as the trinity knot. Spirals and triple-spirals (triskeles) are also a common motif - the latter being related to the importance of the number three in Celtic mythology.
As the ancient Celts migrated from Central Europe to Ireland and Britain, the designs likely have a mainland origin - though Christian missionaries from these islands would later help reintroduce the art back to Europe.
ANCIENT CELTIC ART
Also known as insular art (from the Latin insula meaning 'island'), Celtic designs were eventually adapted by early Christian artists to adorn their works (most famously with the Book of Kells) and to acclimatize Christianity to the local pagan populations.
The most iconic features of Celtic art were the knots, known as icovellavna, which formed stylized patterns for illustration and calligraphy, such as the Trinity Knot. Spirals and triple-spirals (triskeles) are also a common motif - the latter being related to the importance of the number three in Celtic mythology.
As the ancient Celts migrated from Central Europe to Ireland and Britain, the designs likely have a mainland origin - though Christian missionaries from these islands would later help reintroduce the art back to Europe.
The artwork of ancient Ireland is a source of endless inspiration for us here at Gifts of Ireland. Our beautiful Celtic parchments, for example, are adorned with the traditional style of art.
THE CELTIC TRINITY
The leaf-life trinity knot, or triquetra (from the Latin 'three-cornered), was used by early Christans to represent the Holy Trinity, though the symbol has its roots in earlier pre-Christian religions, possibly existing thousands of years beforehand.
Being such as versatile symbol, the triquetra has countless interpretations - the number three was an important number in Celtic symbolism, so possible meanings also include the unity of the earth/sea/sky, the three stages of life, or various triple-deities.
It came to prominence during the period of 'insular art' in the early middle ages, which combined early Christian and Celtic art. Some of its most famous incarnations are found within the artwork of the Book of Kells. It was popularized again during the Celtic revival of the 19th Century.
THE CELTIC TRINITY KNOT
The leaf-life Trinity Knot, or triquetra (from the Latin 'three-cornered), was used by early Christians to represent the Holy Trinity, though the symbol has its roots in earlier pre-Christian religions, possibly existing thousands of years beforehand.
Being such as versatile symbol, the triquetra has countless interpretations - the number three was an important number in Celtic symbolism, so possible meanings also include the unity of the earth/sea/sky, the three stages of life, or various triple-deities.
The Trinity Knot rose to prominence during the period of 'insular art' in the early middle ages, which combined early Christian and Celtic art. Some of its most famous incarnations are found within the artwork of the Book of Kells. It was popularized again during the Celtic revival of the 19th Century.
This simple yet elegant symbol lends itself to so much, including jewelry. We have curated a collection of the finest pieces of Trinity Knot jewelry, which we invite you to explore. Below you will find other Trinity Knot gifts.
THE SHAMROCK
According to legend, St Patrick used the shamrock to teach the Celts about Christianity in the 5th century, with the three leaves representing the Holy Trinity. There were already several triple-deities in Irish mythology, which may have helped locals become accustomed to the concept of the Trinity.
The name derives from seamróg meaning 'young clover'. Since the 18th century it has been used as an official symbol of Irish heritage, becoming incorporated into numerous local flags, coats of arms, and sports emblems.
It is now a yearly St Patrick's Day tradition for the Irish taoiseach (prime minister) to present the President of the United States with a crystal bowl of shamrocks in the White House, as a celebration of Ireland's deep connection to the United States due to the Irish diaspora.
THE SHAMROCK
According to legend, St Patrick used the shamrock to teach the Celts about Christianity in the 5th century, with the three leaves representing the Holy Trinity. There were already several triple-deities in Irish mythology, which may have helped locals become accustomed to the concept of the Trinity Knot.
The name derives from seamróg meaning 'young clover'. Since the 18th century it has been used as an official symbol of Irish heritage, becoming incorporated into numerous local flags, Coats of Arms, and sports emblems.
It is now a yearly St Patrick's Day tradition for the Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) to present the President of the United States with a crystal bowl of shamrock in the White House. This gesture is a celebration of Ireland's deep connection to the United States and of the Irish diaspora. We've created a collection of shamrock gifts for you to do the same for frieneds and loved ones.
THE CELTIC CROSS
The Celtic Cross first appeared in Ireland and Britain during the early middle ages, when missionaries were busy planting the roots of Christianity among Celtic populations. The style represents a unity of Christian and Celtic motifs - after all, early missionaries are largely responsible for recording and thus preserving many Celtic customs and artwork. This hybrid art form is known as insular art (from 'insula', the Latin for 'island').
The cross typically features a nimbus - a ring around the intersection - which also provides support. Its true origin is unknown, though some historians have suggested it may have originally represented the Roman sun god Invictus.
The most famous surviving versions of these crosses are found in the monumental stone 'high crosses' erected from the 9th-12th centuries, which also depicted stylized Biblical scenes. Though insular art would later be overtaken by Romanesque art, it earned a comeback with the 'Celtic Revival' of the 19th Century, during a time when Ireland was rediscovering its heritage.
THE CELTIC CROSS
The Celtic Cross first appeared in Ireland and Britain during the early middle ages when missionaries were busy planting the roots of Christianity among Celtic populations. The style represents a unity of Christian and Celtic motifs - after all, early missionaries are largely responsible for recording and thus preserving many Celtic customs and artwork. This hybrid art form is known as insular art (from 'insula', the Latin for 'island').
The cross typically features a nimbus - a ring around the intersection - which also provides support. Its true origin is unknown, though some historians have suggested it may have originally represented the Roman sun god Invictus.
The most famous surviving versions of these crosses are found in the monumental stone 'High Crosses' erected from the 9th-12th centuries, which also depicted stylized Biblical scenes. Though insular art would later be overtaken by Romanesque art, it earned a comeback with the 'Celtic Revival' of the 19th Century, during a time when Ireland was rediscovering its heritage.
The Celtic Cross is the perfect symbol to honor not only your faith, but your Irish roots. We have searched for the best of Ireland's Celtic Cross jewelry for this purpose.
OGHAM WRITING
Ogham (pronounced 'ohm') was the earliest form of writing in Ireland, existing from the 4th-9th centuries AD. Typically etched into stone or wood, it consists of a series of strokes along a line, where the strokes' quantity, length, and direction determine the letter. Most of the letters correspond to the Roman alphabet, with a few local additions, so in fact it's a translatable cypher rather than a language, read from the bottom-left upwards.
Some historians believe it may have been used as a secret alphabet that Roman Britain wouldn't be able to understand, while others suggest it may have been developed by early Christian communities as a form of shorthand.
Most surviving examples are found on stone monuments in southern Ireland, though there are also some inscriptions in the west of Britain too, particularly in Wales.
OGHAM WRITING
Ogham (pronounced 'ohm') was an ancient Irish language and the earliest form of writing in Ireland, existing from the 4th-9th centuries AD. Typically etched into stone or wood, it consists of a series of strokes along a line, where the strokes' quantity, length, and direction determine the letter. Most of the letters correspond to the Roman alphabet, with a few local additions, so it functions as a translatable cypher read from the bottom-left upwards.
Some historians believe that Ogham may have been used as a secret alphabet that Roman Britain wouldn't be able to understand, while others suggest it may have been developed by early Christian communities as a form of shorthand.
Most surviving examples are found on stone monuments in the south of Ireland, though there are also some inscriptions in the west of Britain too, particularly in Wales.
We have a blog post tracing this history if you're interested in reading more about the history of Ogham writing.
THE CELTIC TREE OF LIFE
Known as 'crann bethadh' to the ancient Celts, the Tree of Life (and its many variations across ancient cultures) represented rebirth and resilience, as well as balance and harmony, as symbolized by its branches rising towards the heavens and its roots descending into the earth.
Whenever land was cleared to make way for a new farm or settlement, one large tree would be left alone in the middle as a sacred focal point (thus, cutting down an enemy's tree would be a huge blow to them). While trees provided resources and shelter, they were also a doorway to the spirit world.
THE CELTIC TREE OF LIFE
Known as 'crann bethadh' to the ancient Celts, the Tree of Life (and its many variations across ancient cultures) represented rebirth and resilience, as well as balance and harmony, as symbolized by its branches rising towards the heavens and its roots descending into the earth.
Whenever land was cleared to make way for a new farm or settlement, one large tree would be left alone in the middle as a sacred focal point (thus, cutting down an enemy's tree would be a huge blow to them). While trees provided resources and shelter, they were also a doorway to the spirit world.
The layers of meaning behind the tree really capture your imagination. It is one of our biggest inspirations here at Gifts of Ireland, leading us to collect the best Tree of Life gifts that Ireland has to offer. If you want to know more about this sacred Celtic symbol, we have a blog post about the Celtic Tree of Life that delves into more detail.
THE BOOK OF KELLS
Also known as the Book of Colum Cille (one of Ireland's patron saints), the Book of Kells is one of Ireland's greatest and oldest tourist attractions. Created around 800 AD, it contains an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. It remains one of the greatest examples of insular art (from 'insula', the Latin for 'island'), which combines Christian and Celtic design.
The calligraphy and stylized illustrations feature Biblical figures as well as mythical beasts from local folklore. It was a masterful undertaking at the time, containing 340 pages of quality calf vellum, while the inks were imported from far-off lands. However it was never fully finished - it may have been put into hiding instead due to the threat of Viking raids.
Its name comes from the Abbey of Kells in County Meath, though it was originally produced on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland. Today it resides at Trinity College, Dublin.
THE BOOK OF KELLS
Also known as the Book of Colum Cille (one of Ireland's patron saints), the Book of Kells is one of Ireland's greatest and oldest manuscript. Created around 800 AD, it contains an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. It remains one of the greatest examples of insular art (from 'insula', the Latin for 'island'), which combines Christian and Celtic design.
The calligraphy and stylized illustrations feature Biblical figures as well as mythical beasts from local folklore. It was a masterful undertaking at the time, containing 340 pages of quality calf vellum, while the inks were imported from far-off lands. However it was never fully finished - it may have been put into hiding due to the threat of Viking raids.
Its name comes from the Abbey of Kells in County Meath, though it was originally produced on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland. Today it resides at Trinity College, Dublin. As one of the most fascinating and popular artefact the country has to offer, we have a dedicated collection of gifts inspired by the incredible artwork found in this manuscript.
THE HARP
Harps have been played in Ireland since pre-Christian times, from at least the year 1000. It's been said that Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland, was a skilled harpist.
Harpists enjoyed an important role in Irish society, travelling around the country to perform at weddings and celebrations. Kings and chieftans had their own harpists and were well-respected. Traditionally, the harpist was accompanied by a poet or bard who read or sang a poem along with the music.
In about 1534 Henry VIII, who had declared himself King of Ireland, put a crowned harp on the Anglo-Irish silver groat ( 4 pence) and half groat coins.
After that, the harp began to feature on official royal occasions documents pertaining to Ireland. One can be found on Queen Elizabeth I's charter to Dublin city in 1583. A banner with a harp emblem was even carried at her funeral. King James I incorporated the harp in the royal coat of arms and flags of Britain in 1603, where it still remains today.
