Celtic Cross – symbol of faith and culture

The Celtic cross is a symbol of both culture and faith. The true origins are unknown but there are many theories and legends.Celtic Cross – symbol of faith and culture

Two cultures combined

Celtic Cross copyright Ireland Calling

One Christian legend says that the first Celtic cross was formed by St Patrick while bringing Christianity to the Druids. The Druids used to worship a large circular stone. St Patrick, on seeing the significance of this stone, drew a large cross through the middle of it in order to bless it.

From this act, the two cultures combined to form the Celtic cross. The cross represents Christianity and the circle is the Celtic representation of eternity, no beginning and no end.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language. Bealtaine Fire

The Celtic Cross predates Christianity

However, there are many different meanings. One suggests that the cross represents the four directions of north, south, east and west or the four elements; earth, fire, air and water.

Muiredach Cross copyright Matteo Corti cc3
Muiredach Cross

This would suggest that the symbol of the cross predates Christianity and indeed it does appear in many ancient cultures. Carvings of crosses can even be found in caves dating back to the Stone Age.

Sun Cross to Cetlic Cross

Before Christianity came to Ireland, the Gaelic people worshipped a number of different gods. One of these gods was Taranis, God of Thunder, who was often represented holding a thunderbolt in one hand and a wheel in the other.

During the Bronze Age this wheel was often depicted on Celtic coins or worn as jewellery. It usually had four spokes and was known as the Sun Cross. The two symbols are very similar which suggests the Sun Cross may have evolved into the Celtic cross over time.

Sun crosses AnonMoos CC2

Symbol of Celtic heritage

The origins may be pagan but it was championed by Christianity in the form of the High Crosses around the countryside and in the illuminated manuscripts.

The majority of the people who use the Celtic cross symbol today are Christian but many people also wear pendants as a symbol of their Irish (or Scottish or Welsh) heritage.

Click here for Celtic cross jewelry

How to make an origami Celtic cross

See the Claddagh Ring design on numerous gifts in Bealtaine Fire

Shamrock – national flower of Ireland

Irish Symbols – each with their own fascinating origins and still relevant today

Celtic jewelry – symbols of love and friendship

Celtic festivals

Celtic Cross

Brigid’s Cross

How Ireland protects its harp and shamrock emblems…take care if using them

Why the Guinness harp faces the opposite way to the official Irish harp

Yule – ancient festival pre-dating Christmas

Easter Lily – sign of peace and hope for the future

St Patrick myths and legends

Irish Art – clues to ancient Irish cultures and beliefs

The Green Man – symbol of rebirth in Celtic Culture

The Awen (The Three Rays of Light)

Celtic Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh)

Triskele – From the Greek meaning ‘three-legged’

Celtic Cross – symbol of faith and culture

Celebrating the rich diversity of Irish culture

Irish Art – pre-dating the Pyramids

Celtic Cross jewelry – steeped in history and symbolism

Ēostre – the Spring Equinox – forerunner of Easter

Beltane – festival of fire to welcome the summer

New age beliefs about Ogham

The Spiral – thought to represent the sun

Brigid’s Cross (Brighid’s Cross, St Brigit’s Cross)