The Pantheon of Rome has been a tourist attraction for almost 2000 years. Ancient pilgrims wondered at its beauty and perfection as they walked past the ruined Forum of Rome and made their way towards the Shrine of Saint Peter. In the present day we recognize the historical and architectural significance of this remarkable structure.

Tattooing has long been associated with the insular Celts of the British Isles. These tattoos were not elaborate and were associated with a wide range of people from varying backgrounds. There are many references to insular Celts with the most notable in The Gallic Wars as noted by Caesar.

Celtic knots are distinctive Irish symbols that are represented by the beautiful swirls and intricate, interconnected lines that form detailed, eternal patterns. Today, artisan-inspired Celtic jewelry is handcrafted into pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, and more, bearing the timeless, classic beauty and eternal symbolism of the Celtic knot. During the La Tene era (450 B.C. to 50 B.C.) Celtic power and influence reached great heights, spreading from the great expanse of Europe to shores and green rolling hills of Ireland. The Claddagh ring was first introduced in Claddagh, Galway, Ireland, and is the traditional wedding ring of the Irish since the 17th century symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship.

Before Christianity spread throughout the British Isles, the lunar calendar guided Celtic life. The night was the beginning of the new day. The Celtic calendar was based on the elliptical orbit of the earth. Phases of the moon were associated with difference, specific characteristics and believed to affect human emotions.

The ancient druids, tribal priests to the early Celts, celebrated key events according to the cycles of the sun and moon. They believed that the standing stone circles found throughout the British Isles were alive and represented a living vortex to other worlds. Each year, druids would pilgrimage to Stonehenge on summer solstice, the longest day of the entire year. Most, if not all, of the stone circles in the British Isles are tied to the orbital paths of the sun and moon. There are several other significant stone circles in the British Isles besides Stonehenge. Although druids did not put the stone circles in place, they made use of them in their practices.

The Celts celebrated the major holidays Samhain, Yule, Imbolg, Ostara, and Beltaine. Celebrations began on the night before of the new day. Samhain was the celebration of creation and was thought to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Yule was a time to celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and it continues to be a symbol of Christmas today. Imbolg or St. Brigit´s Day marks the halfway point in the dark season and is associated with miracles and fertility. The first day of spring is the vernal equinox and is celebrated at Ostara and is celebrated with activities that include planting seeds, placing flowers on altars, and eating specific foods. Beltaine or May Day was the most sacred of Celtic holidays. It was a time of marriages and blessings to protect them from evil.