The first well known symbol is the Celtic cross which was only used in cemeteries in mostly Southern Ireland where mostly Catholics lived. As more and more people from other countries visited Ireland and would often see or go to historic churches where they usually had a graveyard, people started to like the symbol and look of the Celtic Cross. Artists used the cross in a variety of medium whether it was sculptures, paintings, jewelry and other items for home décor.
Another famous symbol seen in Ireland is the claddaugh symbol which was once only used as a wedding ring design for both men and women in Ireland. It has two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of the heart. The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship and the crown symbolizes loyalty which is a lovely symbol to have entering a new marriage. This too, was soon turned into a variety of different items that were merchandised and sold. Many Americans of Irish decent wear the claddaugh ring to show their family heritage whether or not they are married. It is said that if the point of the heart points to your heart then you are married and if the ring is flipped around the other way, then they are not married.
The Celtic knot can take on a variety of shapes whether it looks like a circle, a square or even a heart shape. The common thing from all of these knots is that it is a continuous line that connects and there is no beginning and no end. The Celtic knot represents the eternity of life, the eternity of nature and the eternity of love and can be found in artwork and Celtic crosses dating back thousands of years ago. As tattoos have gained in popularity, many people wanting to get them have requested Celtic knots of varying shapes because they simply liked the look or the meaning of it or are Irish and thought this was a more unique way to display that instead of a shamrock.
The shamrock is the most widely known Irish symbol the represents the beautiful green countryside of Ireland with its many shamrocks. It is a three leafed white clover and is the actual symbol of that country. When many people think of shamrocks they think of St. Patrick's Day and all of the items that the shamrock is on to celebrate that holiday. While Americans wear bright green blinking shamrock buttons on St. Patrick's Day, the Irish actually wear real shamrocks pinned to their lapel on the holiday.
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