Celtic Jewelry: Ancient Symbolism in Popular Fashion
Celtic Jewelry: Ancient Symbolism in Popular Fashion
The mysterious and the mystical have always had the power to hold human beings in thrall throughout the millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception to this, since they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions and rituals of the Celts, an ancient European people. Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic jewelry not only for their beauty, but also for their symbolism and metaphysical connotations.Also popularly -- though inaccurately -- known as Claddagh jewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patterns of Celtic origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by jewelers in their creations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes eternity and is used abundantly in many Celtic jewelry items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge, understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and adversities, as compared to the Christian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples of popular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with symbolism. Rings that have the Celtic knot design symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they are exchanged by the bride and groom in present day wedding ceremonies ? to signify their fidelity and never-ending commitment to each other. Such rings and bracelets are also given to friends as an indication of loyalty.Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of a Celtic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearer's preferences, the pendant may depict the image of Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, Celtic cross, serpent or dragon. Such symbols have deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is one of the main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular dress accessories today.A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to have any other Celtic connection in order to appreciate Celtic jewelry. Whether given as gifts or maintained as personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be enjoyed just for their beauty alone. But a little awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in history and tradition add to their air of enigma and allure.Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com
Popular Adirondack Chairs – Everything You Need To Know-Gardening
Popular Adirondack Chairs - Everything You Need To Know
Adirondack chairs were invented during the early 1900's by a vacationer who was looking for ways to furnish his summer home. By utilizing materials found around his Westport, NY, vacation home, Thomas Lee crafted a unique chair that caught the attention of a local carpenter and would eventually gain widespread popularity.The chair was made out of eleven slats of wood, had wide armrests, and was unique in that both the seat and back angled so that it would sit better on the steep mountain terrain of the Adirondacks.While looking for a way to increase revenue, a local carpenter and friend to Lee, Harry Brunnel, started crafting the chairs. In 1905, he applied for a patent and the chair that later came to be known as the Adirondack chair was dubbed the "Westport Chair." For the next twenty years, Brunnel lovingly crafted the Adirondack furniture and watched his business grow and flourish.Today, the furniture is individually handcrafted by skilled craftsmen who have taken the basic design of the Adirondack chair and, while keeping the integrity of the original design, added to it variations that make the chair versatile enough to be used in any outdoor setting. Available in several different styles including rockers, gliders, love seats and styles geared toward children, Adirondack chairs are not only durable and comfortable they can be used outdoors in all seasons.Although Adirondack chairs are normally made out of treated wood such as teak, cypress, mahogany, alder, eucalyptus and southern yellow pine, they are also available in plastic. They can be finished using a wide pallet of stains, painted over 29 colors, or customized with hand painted details to compliment your d