Irish Gaelic Celtic Cross

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THE CELTIC CROSS

 

The Celtic Cross needs no explanation. It is an enduring symbol of culture and faith.

 

The Celtic Cross is one of the most famous and easily identifiable of the Celtic symbols.

 

The Celts were a group of tribes that were based all around Europe so it’s likely that, although the Celtic Cross is Celtic in origin, it may not have originated in Ireland. Originally, Celtic Crosses would have been made from wood or metal and they were probably much smaller than the surviving stone carved pillars we see today. In the Middle Ages, many Celtic Cross symbols were carved into naturally occuring rock formations but over time they were developed and built as independent standing stones or monoliths. Some of the earliest Celtic Cross symbols to be seen in Ireland date back to the 8th or 9th century and can be found in the ancient kingdom known as the Western Ossory which occupied parts of modern-day Kilkenny and Laois.

 

One theory about the Irish Celtic Cross is that it was “high-jacked” by St Patrick when he brought his Christian teachings to Ireland.

Some believe that when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland he noticed that the Celtic Cross was already part of the Irish culture so he used is as a link it to his Christian teachings, providing a sense of familiarity to his new/potential converts.

Scriptural Celtic Crosses date back to the 9th century and can be found around North Leinster and Kells.

 

There are many legends and theories about the original meaning of the Celtic Cross.

One possibility is that the four ‘arms’ represent the four cardinal directions of the earth: north, south, east, and west. Other possible meanings of the Celtic Cross could be that it represents the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water ,Air or the four seasons or the four stages of the day: morning, midday, evening and midnight.

 

Since the Christian era, the Celtic Cross has a meaning connected to the Christian faith and the iconic cross of Christ. However, because it is equally relevant to pre-Christian beliefs and the Celtic culture, it is a symbol that can be interpreted however the user chooses.

 

Whatever the original meaning of the Celtic Cross symbol, it has been used for centuries to reflect many different beliefs and principles and is a symbol of both culture and faith.

 

The Celtic Cross as a symbol has many meanings including:

 

Earth, Wind, Fire, Air

Patriotism

Believer