Friendship Symbols

The Claddagh
Without doubt the Claddagh is one of the most recognized of Celtic designs. Its origins can be traced back to roman times.  The Claddagh is usually connected with love yet it is also given as a symbol of friendship.  How the wearer places this ring on their finger signifies the reason it is worn.   

The Claddagh has been a popular wedding ring since the 17th century, yet it goes back further than that.  Originally the Claddagh was part of a ring called Fede meaning faith and the meaning or symbolism attached to the Fede was faith, friendship and loyalty which were depicted by two clasped hands.  Today the Claddagh is till given as a token of friendship and the wearer of such a gift would wear the Claddagh on the right hand with the heart facing away from them.

The Claddagh is possibly one of the most prolific symbols of friendship that has been passed down in Celtic tradition and a perfect way to convey feelings of deep friendship and loyalty.

The ancient Celts have long worn rings to symbolize love and friendship and it is a tradition still much coveted among Celtic descendants today.  Ancient Celtic rings signifying friendship did not have one specific symbol that showed friendship, instead they forged their rings in a host of beautiful well known Celtic designs which took the form of knots, swirls and whorls.  These artistic designs did not specially depict friendship; the knowledge of the symbolism of friendship was passed from the giver to the wearer.

The Quaich
The Quaich originates from Scottish-Celtic tradition.  The name originates from the Gaelic word ‘cuach’ which is itself derived from the Latin word ‘caucus’ which means drinking cup.  The Quaich traces its use back to medieval times when people carried their own cups for fear of poisoning.  It is wide and shallow and traditionally made from wood or wood with sliver banding.  The predecessor of the Quaich was a scallop shell.  In the 17th century the Quaich progressed and was constructed from silver or pewter and decorated with Celtic symbols.  Apart from today being a favorite wedding gift the Quaich is also given in friendship, especially at christenings.  

The Celtic knot and other symbols
The Celtic knot (shown above is the Triquetra) is the most iconic image of Celtic culture and consists of interlacing lines that cross each other repeatedly, much like weaving.  The result is an exquisite design that appears to have no beginning or end and therein lays its symbolism as the lines were meant to depict how spirituality, life and people were intertwined with each other, everlasting and forever together.

The winding know the complexity of self and binding relationships and when worn as a charm signifies good friendship.  Celtic art was used as a form of symbolic language by the ancient Celts which are only kept alive by folklore and those who study and have kept these old traditions alive.

Celtic knots are most commonly attributed to love, yet they can also signify deep and loyal friendship, for instance the Celtic oval denotes eternity of life and dates back to about 2500 BCE while the triple drop knot signifies the three forces of nature and one that boasts a continuous line denotes unity, strength and spirit.

The round Celtic knot because of its reminiscent shape of the sun denoted loyalty and the Celtic four knot with its distinctive interlocking circles representing the four seasons is decorated at its edge with double lines which themselves represent friendship between two people.

Flowers also had a place in Celtic tradition and were used to symbolize friendship and affection while the dog symbolises loyalty.

Supposition
Celtic symbolism that has come down through the ages is obscure and indirect and Celtic knot work literally defies literal translation and instead meaning should be looked for at a deeper level.  What we do know is that the never-ending strands that are found in Celtic knot work when attributed to friendship represent permanence, loyalty, faith and love.

Knot-work that is so well known today speaks of ancient times, beliefs and symbolic meanings.  Our ability to interpret these Celtic symbols remains elusive and circumstantial as there remains no written document that supports their symbolism.