Celtic Crosses - An Ancient and Powerful Symbol


by Martin Mallett - Date: 2007-05-03 - Word Count: 332 Share This!

The cross of the Celts and Celtic Christianity is a symbol of beauty and also a possessor of many meanings. It resembles a traditional Christian cross, with a circle drawn around the joints of the two arms of the cross. It is regularly referred to as the Irish Cross or the Cross of Iona (both an island and a Gaelic name).

One feasible meaning of the cross is the unity of two types of belief systems. The cross symbolizes Christian belief, while the circle symbolizes a pagan moon Goddess. This coincides with the Irish legend, that St. Patrick introduced this symbol when trying to convert the pagan people of the Emerald Isle. Some say that the circle actually represents the Sun, another powerful symbol in the pagan belief system.

Many times the cross and circle design is only just part of the picture. Complex designs and carvings are prominent on Celtic crosses. One such common motif is of an interweaving thread, actually interviewing figures of eight, which symbolize chaos, death, order and rebirth. As you can see, four again which is such an important number with the Celts.

The symbol, in some form or another, actually dates back long-long before Christianity. The reason is, that a cross has arms facing four directions. This could mean four elements, four navigational directions, and so on. The circle is another ancient symbol, associated with perfection, even the ancient Egyptians have used it.

Regretfully, in these modern times, the ancient symbol has been abused and used by some extremely radical political parties. Usually they simplify the cross and circle design by just drawing a circle with a plus sign inside, extending outward (regularly referred to as the sun cross). The link between the symbol and radical factions have become so firm that in Italy they have even banned it from being publicly shown in stadiums.

Martin Mallett is the co-owner of www.shop4silver.co.uk - a family run online store with a new and exciting range of Celtic jewellery especially beautiful Celtic bangles.

Related Tags: celtic, celtic cross, irish, celts

Martin Mallett is the owner of a number of UK based jewellery web sites selling a range of jewellery in silver, gold and gemstones. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

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