Celtic symbols, arts and culture
Posts tagged Ring
Ondine: Ancient Celtic Myth in Modern Ireland
Nov 14th
Ondine is an unusual film that uses Celtic mythology as a background theme for a low key romantic tale. Director Neil Jordan, best known for The Crying Game, sets this movie in modern day Ireland, but in many ways there’s an old fashioned, even ancient ambiance to it. Of course, there are cars and cell phones, but the story centers on Syracuse, a Fisherman (Colin Farrell) living in a small village who pulls a woman (Alicja Bachleda) out of the water, and this theme could have been taken from a folk tale (Irish or otherwise) that dates back centuries.
The woman has no apparent memory and calls herself Ondine (which is a word for a kind of water nymph), and she may or may not be a supernatural creature. Like another film from 1995, The Secret of Roan Inish, this one deals with the legend of selkies, half woman-half seal creatures that are traditional to Celtic folklore. However, Ondine is quite original and deals with the subject in its own way.
Syracuse has a young daughter (Alison Barry) who is mostly confined to a wheelchair due to a kidney ailment, and has a contentious relationship with his ex-wife, which complicates his situation when he find Ondine. As you might expect, Syracuse and Ondine develop a relationship of sorts, but, unlike the way such a theme would be handled in a typical Hollywood movie, the characters are all quite complex and the story seems more interested in exploring archetypal themes than conforming to a formula plot.
Ondine is a movie that fans of indie movies, Celtic myth and compelling but quiet tales will enjoy. Netflix, somewhat incorrectly, categorizes this film as sci fi/fantasy. It remains uncertain for much of the movie whether or not Ondine is actually a selkie, but apart from this, if you’re looking for a movie with special effects or bizarre shapeshifting creatures, this isn’t it. If you have to put Ondine in a category, it would be an independent romantic drama.
The Cultural Beauty of a Celtic Engagement Ring
Sep 25th
The beauty, intricate designs and symbolism of the Claddagh engagement ring and other Celtic engagement rings has built a following among many young couples today. In a world of turmoil, confusion and duplicity, many of the younger generations are revisiting their roots for direction and guidance. The Irish community is rich in mythology, spiritualism and cultural beliefs. The Celtic engagement ring is a sign of deeply held family customs and beliefs.
A Sentimental Gift is Found in the Celtic Engagement Ring
The Celtic engagement rings are known for the sentiment that is symbolized in each ring. The designer usually bases the design of each ring on a wedding sentiment such as “love for all eternity”, “tying the knot” and some other sentiments of love. Then the ring is designed to match and is named after the emotion or sentiment. Most rings have some sort of knot shape or combination of knots to symbolize the union of two lives. The most popular style of Celtic engagement ring is the Claddagh engagement ring.
The Claddagh is Rich in Irish Folklore
The Claddagh is the symbol for the Republic of Ireland, a design that is deeply embedded in the Irish folklore. The image on the ring is that of two hands surrounding a heart with a royal crown placed directly above the heart. The design symbolizes the welcoming hands of a marriage union; a strong and loving heart and the crown represent the proud people of Ireland.
Many Believe Irish Design isn’t “Irish” Unless it’s Made in Ireland
There is a common held belief that jewelry made in the Irish design isn’t real if it wasn’t made in Ireland. There are specific regions in Ireland that are responsible for custom design. So a couple shopping for the symbolism, sentiment and beauty of a true Celtic engagement ring would want to access Irish internet web sites or a visit to a jeweler of Irish heritage. However, keep in mind that in many traditional Irish circles, it is considered bad manners to wear the Claddagh if you are not of Irish descent.
The Claddagh Engagement Ring is Rich in the Irish Culture
The Claddagh Celtic engagement ring usually doubles as the wedding band. While the Claddagh engagement ring is available in a wide variety of styles, the specification to how it is to be worn is absolute. The importance of Claddagh Celtic engagement ring is significant with how it is worn on the young woman’s hand. When a woman wears a Claddagh ring, she must turn the heart inwards if she is unmarried and change the direction of the heart upon becoming betrothed. The heart facing outward tells the world that she is bound is marriage and has given her heart away.
For more information from Brian Welsch about Celtic Engagement Rings check www.ringsforengagement.com
Brian Welsch, born in New York, USA, 1974. He is part time jeweler a regular writer for www.ringsforengagement.com site. Lives in NY with his wife and two children.
Happy Celtic New Year’s
Nov 2nd
Samhain, or Halloween marks the end of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark half in the Celtic calendar. It may seem odd to think of November 1 as New Year’s Day, but perhaps no stranger than January 1, which is, after all, the heart of winter. A more intuitive New Year’s Day would probably be the start of Spring, around March 21. However, it’s interesting to contemplate why the Celts chose the time of year when winter was approaching to mark the New Year.
Samhain, which was the largest celebration in medieval Ireland, lasting for three days, is also the name of the month of November in Irish and Scottish. It marks the final harvest, as well as being a time to honor the dead. It is also believed to be a time when the “veil” between worlds -the world of the living and the world of the dead- is thinnest. This is the origin of modern Halloween ghosts, witches and so forth.
Wiccan and Celtic Re-constructionist pagans also honor Samhain as the highest holy day. They generally follow the Celtic Wheel of the Year, which is marked by the four seasonal changes (the solstices and equinoxes) and four festivals, Beltane, Samhain, Lughnasa and Imbolc. While the ancient and medieval Celts probably did not follow this calendar precisely, it is based on some of the traditional Celtic festivals and honors the Celtic practice of following the cycles of nature.
Some religious fundamentalists, meanwhile, see Halloween or Samhain as satanic or a celebration of heathen gods. While the latter may be true from a Christian (or monotheistic) point of view, the notion that pagan beliefs are satanic is not accurate. The fact is, paganism originates from a world view that did not recognize a single malevolent entity such as Satan or the Devil, so such an entity was neither worshipped nor feared or hated.
Many Celtic Christians have integrated the traditions of their pagan ancestors with Christian beliefs. For example, November 1 is also All Saints Day. The other pagan festivals have been similarly “updated” with Christian interpretations.
Whatever path you follow, Happy Celtic New Year!
Celtic Symbols: why are they so popular?
Sep 12th
Thanks for visiting the Celtic Symbols blog! This site is inspired by the beauty and enduring popularity of Celtic symbols such as knotwork, zoomorphic images (those depicting animals, both real and imaginary, such as sea monsters and dragons) and other images. These images are very commonly seen today in many art books, in jewelry, as tattoos and fantasy art (paintings, book covers, CD covers, etc.).
Celtic art goes way back in history, and I’ll be exploring some of this fascinating tradition. There will also be links to other interesting sites and resources. I think Celtic symbols and artwork has such appeal, not only for its intrinsic beauty, but because it expresses something of the infinite, as in a Celtic knot. There is both a spirituality and earthiness to Celtic art.
I’d like to explore the many ways Celtic symbols have been used over the centuries, including languages. For example, one of the earliest Celtic languages was the Irish Tree Alphabet, known as Ogham. This, and other aspects of Celtic or Gaelic languages have also become very popular recently, especially in music.
So please visit this site often and keep up with this fascinating aspect of Celtic culture!
