Celtic Gifts

Celtic tradition runs deep in our veins. It is not hard to understand why many if us have such an attachment with things Celtic and Celtic Design. Millions of us have Celtic blood running through our veins and have a strong connection with our Celtic ancestors. It is no wonder that a gift that has a Celtic theme or connection is a gift that is truly special to us. It is the history of Celtic design that ultimately inspires Meab Enamel Jewelry.

Our attachment to things ‘Celtic’ have strong link to nature, to spirituality, equality amongst men and women and to a passion for peace and justice. Some of these things can be hard to achieve in today’s world. Our association with all that is Celtic symbolizes a yearning for the simple things in life that have been are so hard to ascertain.

The exact origin of the Celtic Spiral is not known. It is one of man’s earliest recorded symbols as seen at the megalithic passage tomb Newgrange (2500BC) which was built even before the Pyramids of Egypt. One theory is that the iconic Celtic swirl design was inspired by the humble, simple snail. The simple snail whose swirl patterned shell is a symbol of security and stability. The Celtic gift of a snail in the form a garden decoration or a swirl designed door stop is a gift that is thought to promote long life and good fortune. A gift that is Celtic is more than just a material thing it represents so much more than that. It represents a much deeper fundamental connection to the simple and important things in life. Other Celtic legends see this swirl design as being similar to an eye; both inspirations represent a deep sense of spirituality and belonging, Long life and good fortune.

Celtic gifts and in particular Celtic art designs can be dated back to the 2nd and 3rd century BC. In 500 BC the La Tene Period of Celtic art was born. Exquisite Celtic-style metalwork such the Ardagh Chalice, and celtic jewlelry like the Broighter Gold Torc, Petrie Crown, and Tara Brooch were noted for their use of decorative techniques of cloisonné enamelling. Early Christian artworks such as the Book of Kells contained fantastic examples of colorful artworks.

Celtic workshops existed in Ireland and the use of enamelling was particularly popular. Jewels were also set to create exquisite pieces and enamelling using Millefiori was also used to create some really beautiful jewelry pieces.

The inspiration for our jewelry and Celtic art and design comes from these Celtic traditions. During the ancient Celtic festival of fires, Samhain and Beltaine, the people would extinguish their fires and re light them from the fire of the King. A fire is still lit at Meab Enamels and is used to craft every piece of jewelry and art. Our gift to you is not just a gift that colourful and unique, it is a gift which brings you a little bit of our amazing Celtic past…..

Celtic Gifts Online