Irish Traditions

The Celts celebrated Halloween as Samhain, "All Hallowtide"– the ‘Feast of the Dead’,  when the dead revisited the mortal world. The celebration marked the end of Summer and the start of the Winter months. During the eighth century the Catholic Church designated the first day of November as "All Saints Day"("All Hallows") a day of commemoration for those Saints that did not have a specific day of remembrance. The night before was known as "All Hallows Eve" which, over time, became known as Halloween.

A Samhain Bless

A birthstone chart and list of birthstones by month will help you understand what each birthstone means and why they make thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

History tells us birthstones have been used since the first century as a way to give good luck on one's birthday. Gemstones are associated with each month and each precious stone has designated qualities associated with it.

The traditional birthstone list contains older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone

In Celtic mythology, the Cat is a beast that is both adored and despised. Those in search of otherworldly abilities sought him, but not in a kind or compassionate way. For those who were fearful of supernatural forces believed to exist outside of the church, the cat was a sign that the devil's hand was close at hand. This idea would eventually grow so widespread that merely possessing a cat would be seen as extremely hazardous.

As children and adults around the world take part in the spooky festivities of Halloween on the night of October 31st, All Hallows Eve, few know of its ancient Irish Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival.

Read more about Celtic Halloween Origins,

The Claddagh ring meaning is all about the strength of eternal love.  

Steeped in tradition, the meaning of the Claddagh ring has varied throughout the years for the wearer. The ring can be worn on different fingers or hands, depending on one’s relationship status.

The Claddagh Ring, without a doubt is one of Ireland’s most famous symbols of heritage. The Claddagh Ring h

Celtic Halloween called Samhain in Gaelic is a traditional Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season. It also marks the beginning of winter also known as the "darker half" of the year because the days get dramatically shorter. Samhain is traditionally celebrated at sunset on October 31st and lasts until sunrise on November first. This is considered the halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. This time during Samhain was seen as a transitional time, when the vail between this world and the other side could be crossed without difficulty allowing Aos Sí, or the 'spirits' like the 'fairies' into our world to create mischief. The Irish have many Celtic Halloween Traditions to ward off these spirits.

Celtic Anti-Fairy Measures for Halloween

Have you ever seen an authentic Claddagh Ring? Chances are if you are Irish or you have taken a trip to Ireland you have seen this beautiful and unique piece of Irish jewelry.

The Celtic cross is one of the most revered symbols of Ireland and of Irish culture. Few symbols are as renowned as the embodiment of Celtic Christianity like the Celtic cross worldwide. The Celtic Cross is basically a Latin cross with a circle of light, or a halo intersecting it. This cross also known as the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a famous Christian symbol that has its roots in paganism. The cross with a circle of light emerged in France and Britain in the middle ages and predates Christianity. It was adopted by Irish missionaries from the 9th through the 12th centuries.

Many if our Irish American readers were probably raised by an Irish Mom or an Irish American Mom Irish, even an Italian mom if you Dad was the Irish one. Irish Moms and Italian Moms are pretty much the same. It hard not to recognize those enduring traits that make them both great moms. They are both their children’s number fan. They are encouraging, caring, and show unconditional love and devotion for us in their own special ways. Both moms have the power to make you cry in fear object fear of a simple cooking utensil, known as the dreaded wooden spoon.

Many people and tourists to Ireland often wonder about the local crafts the country is famous for creating. Ireland is famous for a variety of crafts including wool sweaters and its famous world-renowned Irish Jewelry. What jewelry is Ireland known for?