St. Brigid's legacy in Celtic craftsmanship and design

St Brigid is a revered and fondly thought of figure in Irish history and Christian mythology. Her influence has even crossed into the realms of Celtic jewelry design and appearance such as Celtic pendants and Celtic Cross jewelry.

Also referred to as “Mary of the Gael”, St. Brigid is patroness of Ireland and also founder of the first Irish monastery in Kildare. Born in Dundalk in 450 A.D, St Brigid is closely associated with the creation of a truly unique ornamental cross that has since been named after her. This unique Irish cross is typically constructed from rushes but it is also not uncommon for it to be made from straw.

The mystical power of St Brigid’s Cross, woven rushes, is its power to repel evil, fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed. The exact details of the cross' creation are unclear with no definitive explanation of just how it came into being.

The tale as we know it is revolves around an old pagan Irish Chieftain who lay delirious on his deathbed in Kildare; it is rumoured that he was in fact the father of St. Brigid. Brigid was summed to his beside in the hope that the saintly woman could intervene and cure the Chieftain from certain death. 

Brigid is said to have sat at his bedside, consoling and calming him and it is here that she picked up the rushes from the floor and began weaving them into the distinctive cross pattern. Whilst she weaved, she explained the meaning of the cross to the sick Chieftain and it is thought her calming words brought peace to his soul, and that he was so enamoured by her words that the old Chieftain requested he was baptised as a Christian just before his passing.

Ever since that fateful day and for countless generations that followed, it has been customary on the eve of her Feat Day (1st February) for Irish people to fashion a St Brigid Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door. Many Irish people used to send the rush cross to their family and friends overseas as traditional Irish gifts to remind them of the Emerald Isle and help keep them safe from danger and misfortune.

This rush cross, which has since been commonly referred to as St Brigid’s emblem, has been used in Irish designs throughout history, with many modern stylists using this now popular Irish symbol within the designs of Celtic jewelry and unique gifts from Ireland.

Irish Aran Knitwear to warm during the autumn and winter months

The long summer evenings may be drawing to a close with the first signs of autumns creeping up on us but there's no sign of despondency at Blarney Woollen Mills as we welcome a fabulous new range of tweed and aran sweaters as well as cosy cashmere accessories. A new range of authentic Irish sweaters with cosy scarf's, beanies, cardigans and sweaters forming part of an exclusive Blarney Originals collection.

The new Autumn/Winter range of aran sweaters have been knitted with 100% Merino Wool giving a luxuriously feel which is sure to give the wearer good longevity. This range of aran sweaters and accessories are expertly detailed with traditional celtic and aran patterns which have created the rich history of the aran sweater. These garments are a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary chic style making perfect Irish gifts for those who may be seeking aran sweaters for women or men in the lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is also a fantastic new range of Cashmere accessories to ensure that you are looking your best during the autmun and winter months. Luxury pure cashmere in matching scarf, hat and gloves are sure to catch the eye while keeping you nice and warm during those cooler winter months. These garments are rib-knit for added texture, offering exquisite comfort and style for both men and women.

Be sure to check out the full range of the exclusive Blarney Originals collection and all new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills.

New Arrivals: Stylish Range of Fisherman Irish Knitwear

We may be in the midst of summer, enjoying those long bright and balmy evenings, but it is the perfect chance to browse through the Blarney Woollen Mills range of Irish fishermen sweaters and sweaters for women and men. A stylish new range of fishermen knitewear has arrived at Blarney.com which will ensure that you will be looking your best during the autumn and winter months.

The range of new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills inlcudes knitwear fusing time honoured craftsmanship with contemporary style. Recent arrivals include cable knit scarf, Herringbone coat for women, seed stitch cardigans, Raglan crewneck sweaters for men and a stylish combination of Fishermen ribbed hat and scarf.

Cable knit scarf

The Cable knit scarf is a warm and very fashionable accessory eminating from the "Fisherman Out of Ireland" range. This scarf fuses time honoured craftsmanship with a contemporary style which is ideal to go with any type of coat or jacket.

 

Fisherman Herringbone Coat

As one of the signature coats from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range, this Fisherman Herringbone coat is an exemplary example of the time-honoured Irish craftsmanship producing a truly stunning and stylish coat for women. Woven with 100% new wool in a traditional Herringbone design and features panels of earthy tones inspired by the rugged landscape of County Donegal.

Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan

The Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan is a well known favourite of the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range which fuses the time honoured craftsmanship perfected in Ireland throughout the centuries with unique contemporary style. This Fisherman cardigan has been expertly knit with a traditional seed stitch throughout in a rich stylish blend of wool and cashmere.

Fisherman Raglan Crewneck Sweater

This Fisherman Raglan crewneck sweater from 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' has a laidback raglan-sleeve design with rib-knit cuffs and hem for a neat, comfortable fit. Inspired by the rugged landscape of Donegal, it has been knit with 100% Donegal fleck New Wool in neutral/grey yarns.

 

Fisherman Ribbed Hat & Scarf

A stylish Irish gift for to keep him warm during the autmun and winter months. This Fisherman ribbed hat and scarf accessory set from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range. The ribbed beanie hat and matching scarf are handcrafted from 100% Merino wool with subtle brand detailing.

Blarney.com also has a range of warm and stylish aran sweaters and Irish sweaters which are sure to appeal to those seeking stylish handcrafted knitwear with a nod to ancient Ireland.

A glimpse at the magic qualities of authentic Irish Crystal

Ireland has always boasted a long and illustrious history of craftsmanship in glass and crystal making. The origins of this great craftsmanship can be traced back to the early Celts who put their artistic talents to good use by integrating the pure white sands from the shore's of Ireland to produce beautiful glass beads and Celtic jewelry.  Over the passage of time, Ireland’s skilled craftsmen spawned a thriving hand-blown lead crystal industry throughout the country, which is still renowned across the world due to its quality and distinctive Celtic splendour.

Two of the more recognised manufacturers of Irish Crystal are Waterford and Galway Crystal. Waterford Crystal was established in the southern Irish town of Waterford in the late 18th Century.  The manufacturers in Waterford introduced stylish and intricate designs and patterns to its stemware that soon became synonymous across the globe for its exquisite crystal glasses and crystal gifts.

Irish Crystal at its very best, the Waterford Crystal Collection is known for its quality and beautiful glassware such as crystal wine glasses and waterford crystal decanters. The range of products  as well as its home accessories such as Waterford Crystal vases, crystal clocks and crystal picture frames.

Our collections include Lismore (the most famous of the Waterford Crystal patterns), Marquis, Fleurology, Colleen, Clarendon, Irish Lace and Pineapple.

There is always something mystic and magical about authentic Irish Crystal. Whatever design or piece you may be looking for, a piece from any of the Waterford Crystal collections makes the ideal traditional Irish gift and is a well-received Irish wedding gift that will be treasured forever.

The rich cultural history of Celtic Jewelry

It was around 500 B.C. that the Celtic cultural revolution took hold with the Celtic language and culture becoming prominent. The cultural style was very much influenced by La Tène, after an area of Switzerland where artifacts reflecting La Tène style were first found. La Tène artwork is commonly defined by curves and spirals; with geometric or abstract symbols, such as the triple spiral design, being prominent ornamentation.

Due to their intricate craftsmanship, many of these metal Celtic jewelry pieces have been discovered in good condition from that time period. A familiar item that has often been found is the Torc which are believed to be a symbol of status. Since Celtic jewelry is both decorative and made of precious metals, most jewelry discovered in the various archaeological sites throughout Ireland is considered to be decorative rather than practical.

It was also around the same time period that Celtic culture found its way into Ireland, the Irish Iron Age took hold, combining the new Celtic culture with the old Irish culture. While iron was used for tools, jewelry and other pieces were made from the visually exquisite and long-lasting bronze and gold.

Around 600 A.D., Christianity began to surface in Ireland. Religious beliefs mixed with Celtic and Irish art, producing a new style known as Insular art. Insular Art is famous for its illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells being the more renowned example. Insular art maintained the geometric, interlaced style that was present in La Tène art.

Many brooches were made during this time period. The Tara Brooch is particularly impressive, made of silver-gilt and decorated with filigree and interlace design. This style is repeated throughout Celtic jewelry. Irish metalworkers also created the Ardagh Chalice around this time, and it remains one of the most impressive Celtic creations, intricately decorated with the interlace typical of Celtic Irish art. While jewelry remained a status symbol, it was often infused with Christian elements, such as the apostles' names on the Ardagh Chalice, giving special prestige and meaning to some pieces.

Another offshoot of the Christian influence was the proliferation of Celtic crosses, which were particularly common around the ninth century. The Cross of Cong is an example of the excellent goldsmithing skills of Celtic artists. The Cross of Cong had high religious value when it was created, as it was initially made to hold a piece of the cross the Irish believed Christ was crucified on.

Celtic influence is still very strong in Irish jewelry today and is often a a great idea for Irish gifts and particularly traditional Irish gifts. The iconic Celtic Cross is a common theme, though historians and researchers can only speculate upon the meaning of the ring at the intersection. Celtic knot jewelry are also a familiar symbol, used today to honour Irish and Celtic jewelry tradition. Through modern Celtic jewelry, the masterful metalworkers of the past live on, in particular, Celtic rings and Celtic wedding bands.

The mystic of the Trinity Knot in Celtic Jewelry

As a familiar symbol of celtic and Irish jewelry, the Triquetra (also known as the Trinity Knot) originally referred to a "triangle" shape and was commonly used in reference to a range of three-cornered shapes. 

More recently,, it has come to exclusively signify a particular more complex shape which is formed of three vesicae piscis, which is often complimented by an additional circle in or surrounding the symbol. Within the realm of Celtic knot jewelry the symbol is more commonly known as the "trinity knot," and the design often utilized as a religious symbol by both those of the Christian faith and polytheists.

The Trinity Knot can often be spotted on various forms of Insular celtic artwork, especially on pieces of  celtic metal work and in illuminated manuscripts such as the much loved Book of Kells. 

Early Christian artwork such as celtic crosses and slabs often bear the Trinity Knot symbol. The symbol was rarely used as a standalone piece within the medieval celtic artwork and was often integrated in with other design elements.

Over the last century, the symbol has seen a revival in Celtic art and the knot has been recognized as singular symbol that has been used as a sign of special things and persons as a triumvirate. At Blarney Woollen Mills, our extensive range of celtic knot jewelry includes many celtic earrings and celtic pendants which are beautifully ornamented with the Trinity Knot symbol and can often make ideal Irish gifts.

The significance of the Celtic Pendant

Celtic Jewelry can be traced back to a very distant past roughly during the period bwteen 2000 BC and 550 AD when silver and gold was used by Celtic craftsmen to create exceptional pieces of jewelry decorated with a variety of Celtic symbols. Celtic pendants were one of the earliest types of bodily adornment to be crafted by these ancient civilizations.

The word pendant orignates from the French word "pendre" and also the Latin "pendere" which translates as "to hang down". Pendants are a loose-hanging piece of jewelry which tend to be attached to a necklace by a small loop. This piece of Celtic jewelry can also be referred to as a "pendant necklace".

Pendants as pieces of Celtic jewelry can serve a variety of functions, which can also be combined:

• Award ( for example the Order of CúChulainn)
• Identification
• Ornamentation
• Ostentation
• Protection
• Self-affirmation

There are a multitude of specialized variations of pendants in use today including lockets which open and pendilia, which hang from larger objects of metalwork.

There is a wide range of Celtic pendants available from Blarney.com making the perfect Irish gifts and also a great piece of jewelry to accentuate any outfit. These pendants are expertly handcrafted from Sterling Silver or gold or even traditional Irish bog oak.

As ornate pieces of Celtic jewelry, they evoke the rich and varied history of the anicent Celtic world by utlising the various symbols of that period such as Celtic crosses, shamrocks, trinity knots, claddaghs, trinities and such. The Blarney collection is populated with a variety of works by Ireland's finest Celtic jewellers.