Celtic Traditional Ornaments
This lovely Silver-Plated Christmas Decoration features tradional Celtic Designs. A perfect way to decorate your Christmas Tree or give as a gift.
Crafted in the finest silver plate, the decoration has an attractive red ribbon to hang it on the tree.
Size: 60mm x 60mm
The Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross evolved in ancient times, with the circle that surrounds the cross symbolising the 'great wheel of life' and knotwork denoting the binding of the soul to the world.
THE SCOTTISH LUCKENBOOTH
The ‘Luckenbooth’' dates back many centuries in Scotland. They gained popularity during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots and still hold a significant meaning today. ‘Luckenbooths’ are said to be so called as they were first sold from "locked booths" in Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Traditionally, they were exchanged between lovers on their betrothal, and subsequently were pinned to their first baby’s shawl to protect the child from evil spirits.
These heart-shaped brooches, surmounted by the crown of Mary Queen of Scots, and often decorated with the Scottish Thistle, are one of the most romantic artefacts from Scotland's rich history, resulting in their enduring appeal.
THE SCOTTISH LION
The symbol of a lion has been used for centuries by Scottish Kings & Queens.
It is commonly thought to have been adopted in the early 12th century by King William I who was known as "William the Lion".
Nowadays, the Scottish Lion features on the ‘Lion Rampant’ Flag which is the personal banner of HM The Queen.
THE SCOTTISH THISTLE
The thistle is a thorny flower that grows wild in all parts of Scotland, and legend has it that it became the national emblem ofScotland after the Battle of Largs in 1263AD.
A Norse attack force had decided on a stealthy night attack. However their leader trod on a thistle and his yell alerted the Scots, who under their king Alexander III routed them.
This battle led to the ending of the Norse occupation of western parts ofScotland, and the establishment of the kingdom of Scotland as it is today. The first time a thistle was used as the special emblem of Scotland, however, was in the time of King James III, in the 15th Century.
The thistle is not a useful plant, but it is tough and prickly, something you cannot simply grasp hold of and pull out of the ground like a common weed, and it became a popular badge in Scotland. While the Lion Rampant flag was grand and the Saltire Flag hallowed by long tradition, the homely thistle was something everyone could identify with.
