The First Signs of Spring and the Spirit of St Brigid

The days are still cold and the nights are long, but as the snowdrops push their way up through the cold, green ground, and the branches start to stretch out and form their small buds of promise, you realise you are witnessing the very first signs of Spring. In the Celtic calendar the beginning of February is called Imbolc, a festival of fertility heralding new life, the gradual thawing of the earth and her perpetual potential for growth.

Imbolc and the Celtic goddess Brigid are celebrated together and since the 12th century it is known as St Brigid’s Day. St Brigid is the patron saint of poets, healers and midwives, one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The traditional Brigid’s Cross is associated with her and worn for healing and inspiration.

Our St Brigid’s Cross pendants and earrings are a beautiful gift to mark a new phase in your life, celebrate a new love or relationship and remember fierce and compassionate Brigid, who loved and protected all living beings.

The story behind St. Valentine

Hot on the heels of St Brigid’s Day we celebrate St Valentine on Valentines Day. Where does this tradition come from?

St Valentine was a 3rd century Roman clergyman who would marry lovers in secret, thereby saving the men from being conscripted to war. Eventually captured and jailed, as a true romantic he fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. On the day of his execution he left a love note for her signed ‘from Your Valentine’ sparking the tradition of love notes and cards for centuries to come.

Choosing Valentine’s Gifts with meaning:

For that big proposal moment, come prepared with beautiful rings. We have an incredible selection of alternative engagement and wedding rings in tungsten, silver, gold, opal and imaginative materials like meteorite!

Claddagh Rings

For friends and more than friends, you can’t go wrong with a Claddagh. A traditional Irish ring given as a token of friendship and love or worn as a wedding ring. It originated in the fishing village of Claddagh, just outside Galway.

The elements of this symbol are said to correspond to the qualities of LOVE (the heart), FRIENDSHIP (the hands), and LOYALTY (the crown).

Check out the 4 ways to wear the Claddagh Ring here.

Permanent Bracelets

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon, either online or in our newly refurbished shop on Jeffrey Street in the heart of Edinburgh.

Much love

Your Royal Mile Silver Team x