New vision - ancient inspiration

Celtic Fusion Design is inspired by the landscape, culture, and history of the West of Ireland - a land that is rich with both wild beauty and magic. Ancient Celtic spirituality revolved around a connection to nature and often saw it as a portal to the other world. We aim to create designs that evoke those feelings when you are wearing them, and hope we can share a little bit of that world with you every time you experience our art.

Celtic Symbolism

While designing our clothing, we use many symbols that we believe bring us closer with our connection with the ancient ways and the history of Irish culture. You will see some of the symbols below embroidered in our men’s and women’s clothing collections.

Knotwork

The historical purpose of Celtic knotwork remains largely unknown, beyond its ornamental function; nevertheless, its cyclical and perpetual nature is a defining characteristic. We have incorporated Celtic knotwork into our designs as a powerful symbol of the timeless endurance of the ancient culture from which they originated, as well as a representation of the interconnectedness of all life. By incorporating this timeless art form into our designs, we aspire to promote the enduring values and principles of Celtic culture. Dating back as far as the 8th century, Celtic knotwork art continues to thrive today, and by featuring it in our work, we help to ensure that this ancient art form continues to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

Trinity

The trinity knot as commonly seen engraved into stone work or within the design of the Book of Kells symbolises eternal love with it’s never ending knot that cannot be untied. This symbol is over 5000 years old. It represents core beliefs such as eternity, love, unity and commitment. Everything of importance comes in threes with the cycle of life, death and rebirth. The holy trinity symbol can also represent the father, son, and holy spirit.

Triskele

The Triskele symbol, otherwise known as the Triskelion, is a trilateral symbol consisting of three interlocked spirals. Widely regarded as one of the oldest Irish symbols in existence. It appears on the Newgrange kerbstones, which date from approximately 3200 BC. Triskeles feature prominently in both ancient and modern Celtic art, as they evoke the Celtic interpretation of the three realms of material existence: earth, water, and sky (and all their interconnections). The symbol is also thought to represent the three worlds: spiritual, physical, and celestial.

Vegvisir

The Vegvisir Symbol is an ancient Nordic symbol recognised as the viking compass with eight Viking rune staves radiating out in a circle from the central point representing the cardinal (North, South, West, East) and intercardinal directions (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast) along with more in depth magical meaning behind each rune stave. It was believed, if this sign is carried, one will never lose one’s way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known.

Celtic Shield

The ancient Celtic Shield knot symbol with four corners was known for strength and protection often used in the design of warrior shields or a design placed outside the home or holy place to ward off enemies and evil spirits and protect the people and their homes. The endlessness of this symbols design may also have symbolised the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Tree of LIFE

In Celtic spirituality the tree of life symbolises that all living things have spirit. Trees in particular are a source of great wisdom with the power to bridge the gap between the upper and lower worlds. It also symbolizes strength. The Celtic Tree of life symbolises harmony and balance and is a reminder of how all things in existence are interlinked and mutually supportive.

HARP

Before the end of Celtic Ireland, society relied entirely on harpers (or ‘bards’) to communicate information, tell stories, and share ideas. While Ireland was colonised, the harp was an art that was nearly destroyed many times over. Because of this, the harp has now also become a symbol of freedom, resistance, and expression. These ideas are so important to the country, that the harp is often seen as a symbol for Ireland itself.

STag Skull

The stag skull represents regrowth, rebirth, protection, strength, balance, cycle and spiritual enlightenment. For many Pagans, stags were associated with the fertility of the God. “The Horned One”, Cernunnos, in his many incarnations, often appears wearing a headdress of antlers and was a god of the forest and wild animals. The stag, superior to other deer is mature and experienced, having endured life's challenges with a massive crown of antlers to show for it.

The natural world

Ireland is home to a beautiful and diverse ecosystem that has inspired culture and tradition for thousands of years. Our art is heavily influenced by the wilds of County Clare.

Native Tree Species

Native tree species play an important role in both ancient and present-day Ireland. Evidence suggests that Ireland was once covered in old growth oak forests. What is left of these trees still connects people to a Celtic Ireland today. Hawthorn, Oak, and Hazelnut are believed to have played roles in nature-centered paganism. Many Irish stories and traditions still cite trees as being crucial to a connection to both the earth and the otherworld. Traditions that include tying an item of a departed loved one to a tree next to a holy well to insure that they are cared for in the afterlife, using Ogham sticks (made of very specific branches from very specific trees) to look into the future, tying wishes to faerie trees (usually hawthorn), and more have kept the connection to the old way of Ireland alive in present day culture.

Earth centered decision making

Because the woods and wilds of our native home mean so much to us, we believe in an earth-centered business approach. This means that we work to protect not only the natural world where we live, but also that of our working team.

To find out more about our ethics and sustainability visit: http://celticfusiondesign.com/sustainability-ethics/

CELTIC Fusion - Celtic Calendar

Enjoy our free gift to you! Receive a print of our custom made Celtic Calendar free with every order.

Keep up to date and celebrate the Celtic Feast days with us!