Irish Culture Within Symbols

If one wants a sampling of Irish culture, visiting a jewelry store is a great idea.  You may have seen Celtic crosses and puzzle rings or rings decorated with Celtic designs.  Interestingly, most of these designs were pagan in origin, so they can be seen in various pagan cultures as well.  However, it is very easy to see the influence of Celtic and Irish traditional symbols in modern jewelry all over the world, though it is especially present in America. 

Tattoos also commonly have Irish and Celtic designs integrated into them.  Celtic crosses, for example, are popular among tattoo artists and are both aesthetically pleasing and intricate in design.  They can be designed with many different colors and flourishes to make them unique, so no two Celtic cross designs are exactly the same.  The Celtic cross actually originated when Catholicism came to Ireland, and is a unique representation of the traditional Christian cross. 

Celtic knots are another popular and beautiful symbolic design which can be seen in artwork, jewelry, and tattoos of the modern age.  The Celtic knot is actually intended to represent infinity.  Knots have particular importance in traditional Celtic heritage.  In weddings, knots were used to symbolize unions between two people. They are also popular as rings and can be given as wedding gifts between a married couple.  Celtic knots also see popularity among tattoo artists and jewelry designers; some actually adopt animal forms and various creative shapes to shift the design of the Celtic knot.  This is a way Celtic heritage has been passed down through art, but still kept its original meaning and design. 

The Irish flag is not quite as easily translated to jewelry, but remains popular as a choice for body art, especially among Irish citizens who want to preserve their roots and symbolize their patriotism.  Ireland is a country which has long endured persecution and strife, so demonstrating pride and strength through the Irish flag in body art is very important to some Irish citizens, even if they have relocated to other countries. 

In more popular traditions throughout America especially, Irish symbols can be found through things like the four leaf clover.  At Saint Patrick's day, the clover can be seen in popular culture through leprechauns and various other symbols of celebration.  Green is the color of the day, and people wear green pins and clothing to symbolize their recognition of the holiday.  People are happy to show pride and celebration for St. Patrick's day.  Like many Irish holidays, it has become a representation of strength balanced with fun and enriching cultural times.   

Indeed, Celtic traditions have carried down through the ages and translated across the globe to represent Irish heritage and culture.  It is amazing how rich Irish culture is and how it has prevailed through so many decades.  Symbolism like this is a representation of the strength of Irish citizens and Celtic spirit.  By remaining so prevalent within other cultures and within America especially, Celtic heritage has preserved its original feel and intent.  

Ireland is a place rich in culture and traditions.  Countries all over the world have specific Christmas traditions, so it's no surprise that Irish traditions are very special around Christmas.  There are several customs which take place during Christmas in Ireland, but there are three which are especially important and have carried over to other cultures.  In fact, within the US and other countries, these traditions from Ireland can be seen in some forms. 

Decorating trees was a tradition which actually began in Ireland and has carried over to many other cultures.  In fact, decorating Christmas trees began as a pagan tradition.  Various pagan cultures did this to signify the importance of the moon and the sun, and all aspects of the universe that they could see.  The seasons were very important to pagan cultures, and Ireland was largely a pagan-dominated culture before Christianity came to it. 

Of course now, decorating Christmas trees is a widespread custom.  People all over the world do this at Christmas, but few realize the origins came from pagan traditions in Irish and Celtic cultures. 

Candles in the windows are also an Irish tradition originally.  In fact, lighting candles in the windows was a way for Irish families to signify that priests could perform services within those homes without fear.  During the times when Irish people were being persecuted, this was especially important.  The candle was also to show a sign of respect and welcoming for biblical figures. 

Wreaths originated in Irish and Celtic traditions, as berry-decorated wreaths were intended to decorate less wealthy homes.  Now, of course, wreaths are commonplace in many countries including America, so it is interesting to see how this custom has transferred across the ocean.  Many other forms of interior and outside of the home decorations originated in Ireland and now dominate other cultures as well.  

One interesting thing to note is that in Ireland, taking decorations down before the 6th of January is considered to be very bad luck.  This may also have been a pagan custom, but obviously has roots in superstition as well.  This could also be why people leave Christmas decorations up several days and sometimes weeks beyond the actual day of Christmas.  Many Irish customs do have roots in these types of beliefs, so it's easy to see why pagan traditions now pervade other cultures as well. 

When Irish people emigrated to other countries, they brought their customs and traditions with them, which is how so many of these traditions have been carried over into other cultures.  This has made for a much richer culture especially in America, where other cultures have been integrated and spread throughout the nation.  This is one way culture and tradition has lived on beyond what it would had it remained isolated within one country.  In some ways it is a good thing that Ireland became hard pressed during the 1900s, as it forced people to leave for America, and bring with them their rich culture and historical traditions and beliefs.