Today is one of my favorite holiday's. Not because you can get drunk or drink green beer but because you celebrate your heritage. In a way that's pretty ironic if you consider the meaning behind St. Patrick's Day itself. The entire premise behind this holiday is Saint Patrick driving the "snakes" out of Ireland- i.e. the Pagan's and non-Christians. Seeing as to how I'm a Pagan- it's kind of an oxymoron no? Even the lovely "Shamrock" we all know and love was a symbol used by said St. Patrick as a tool to teach us Pagan's about the Trinity- God, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Thus it's been the symbol used in Ireland for eons. No matter what you believe or celebrate- we all still wear green, we all still love the Shamrock, we all still celebrate the feast day and we all still have pride that we're Irish, think we're Irish or we just eat, cuss and drink like we're Irish! This day is also my favorite because I get to enjoy making LOTS of Celtic, Gaelic and Irish jewelry! I can incorporate my favorite symbols into everything! A few of my favorites are the Triskele, the Lover's Knot, the Eternity Knot and the Celtic Cross. Many depictions of knots have been shown throughout history interwoven into stories, symbolism and even important documentation. The endless loops, endless circles often times represent a beginning without end and they also represent how a life that begins will never truly end because life is always reborn. I find them fascinating. It's one of the reasons they're used in jewelry- especially wedding rings! I created a lovely Celtic ring for a customer recently using 4mm onyx gemstone beads and a 22k gold plated Celtic spacer and the effect was quite dramatic! I've also used knots in earrings with dragonflies to create a dramatic and whimsical piece for someone who wanted a reminder of the old country and the lore of fairies. As they say-you're only limited by your imagination! So on today of all days- take the time to enjoy the rich history of Ireland, celebrate the history, take a trip into Brigadoon, dance with Darby O'Gill and the Little People or sing along to my Wild Irish Rose with a pint of Guinness.... You'll be glad you did! I'm sure a tear will appear and maybe tonight a wee fairy will kiss a freckle on yer nose ;) Happy Celebratin'! |