Everything related to Celtic symbology and culture has always been extremely attractive to people, especially to lovers of the esoteric. The Celts have not only given us a special style and music, but also magical runes and amulets. Even if you don't know much about this culture, it is likely that you have repeatedly seen symbols originating from it, since they are widely used in jewelry, clothing, tattoos and home decoration, sometimes as ornaments. but other times as Celtic amulets.
So that you can get an idea of the traditional symbology of this culture and its meaning, we are going to explain in this article what is a celtic amulet and what are the most popular symbols and their meaning.
What is a Celtic amulet?
When we talk about an amulet, we refer to an object that supposedly protects its bearer against specific adversities. It is closely related to the talisman. It is basically a portable object to which some supernatural virtue is superstitiously attributed, such as ensuring protection or attracting good luck. They are generally stones, gems, coins, statues, drawings, animals, plants, pendants, etc. It can even be prayers at very specific moments.
Due to their superstitious nature, it's no surprise that amulets are among the oldest objects in human history. This is because humans saw them as a way to escape and protect themselves from the evils that lurked, whether moral, spiritual, or physical. Initially, they were natural objects, such as carved wood, natural crystals, or stones. Later, they became more everyday objects that were part of some event or that were once the property of someone important. Currently there are still many amulets, both personal and commercial. After all, these talismans have the power that we want to give them, making their value subjective and their importance subject to the beliefs of each individual.
As for Celtic amulets, they were mostly symbols for protective purposes. They were often used to achieve victory in battle or to protect family and home. Unlike other cultures, the Celts often made various engravings in bronze and stone. Thanks to this custom, many of their symbols have survived to the present day. It should be noted that the type of virtue of Celtic amulets depended mainly on the symbol, as each had its own meaning. For further information, you can consult information about the Celtic symbols and their meaning.
How many Celtic symbols are there?
As we mentioned earlier, the usefulness of Celtic amulets depended mainly on the symbol they carried, since each one had its own meaning. There are many Celtic symbols that exist, but so that you can get an idea, we are going to comment on the most popular today.
the triskele
Also known as trikele, trinacria or triskel, the triskel is a curvilinear symbol that has a total of three spiral arms that meet at a central point. It should be noted that the number three was the most sacred in this culture, which is why only the druids had the right to carry this symbol with them. The triskelion represented the balance between spirit, mind and body, as well as symbolizing perfection. In addition, its meaning is much more extensive, since it also includes the past, the present, the future, learning, eternal evolution, growth and the beginning and end.
Among the most common uses of this symbol was to heal the sick, Apart from acting as one of the most important Celtic amulets. According to legend, the triskelion possessed magical healing abilities. To learn more about the symbols that attract good luck, you can read our related article.
the triqueta
Another symbol with a similar name to the previous one is the triqueta. It is one of the oldest of this culture, but it has been reinterpreted several times throughout history. Initially, The triquetra represented life, death and reincarnation for the Celts. But it also symbolized the spiritual, the physical and the mental.
The druids used the triqueta to promote fertility, heal and bless both women and men. For this reason, this Celtic symbol is associated with motherhood. However, the Druids also used it to invoke death. It's worth noting that the triquetra also symbolizes three of the great forces of nature: air, earth, and water. If you'd like to learn more about it, symbols of protection, there is a great variety on our website.
the wuivre
Among the main Celtic amulets is also the wuivre. This symbol is made up of two snakes that are intertwined with each other. It symbolizes the qualities of the earth element and strength. Therefore it is not surprising that he was also considered the guardian of the Earth, which is why they say that he should never touch the water, since his powers would decrease drastically.
Legends say that whoever has in his possession an amulet with the wuivre, You will receive power and love. Furthermore, it is an ideal symbol for people who find it difficult to live in the here and now, since, being closely related to the earth, it is also closely related to the present. An interesting aspect is that the wuivre is linked to the traditions of other cultures, who also use protective symbols.
The Celtic perennial knot
Finally we have to highlight the perennial Celtic knot. This symbol represents love and eternal union, Since this knot never unravels, we can therefore deduce that it has neither beginning nor end, a quality that gives it the representation of reincarnation and eternity. Since it possessed these meanings, it was customary to inherit the Celtic knot in this culture, thus passing it from generation to generation, perpetuating the family lineage. Furthermore, it was customary to exchange this symbol at Celtic weddings, as it represented unbreakable and eternal love.
Among the Celtic amulets, This is the one that offered protection to the couple against the wear and tear of love and various setbacks. Thus, it was a symbol of fusion, complement, and support for the couple. You can find out more about traditions and superstitions related to these amulets.
Whether or not we share the belief in the supernatural power of Celtic amulets, we must admit that they are highly elaborate and beautiful-looking symbols.