The Complex History And Artwork Of Celtic Crosses
- Date: 2007-05-03 - Word Count: 322
Share This!
The well known Celtic cross and Celtic Christianity is a thing of beauty and is also a possessor of very many meanings. In appearence, it resembles a traditional Christian cross but with a circle drawn around the joints of the two arms of the cross. It is also regularly referred to as the Irish Cross or sometimes the Cross of Iona (both an island and a Gaelic name).
One meaning that is possible is the cross is the unity of two types of belief systems. The cross symbolizes Christian faith, while the circle symbolizes a pagan moon Goddess. This coincides with the Irish legend of St. Patrick introducing this symbol when he converted the pagan people of the Emerald Isle. Some also say that the circle actually represents the Sun, another strong image 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 image, in some form or another, certainly dates back long-long before Christianity. The reason is, that a cross has arms facing in four directions. This could mean the four elements, four navigational directions, and so on. The circle is yet another ancient symbol, associated with perfection, even the ancient Egyptians have used it in their designs.
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.
One meaning that is possible is the cross is the unity of two types of belief systems. The cross symbolizes Christian faith, while the circle symbolizes a pagan moon Goddess. This coincides with the Irish legend of St. Patrick introducing this symbol when he converted the pagan people of the Emerald Isle. Some also say that the circle actually represents the Sun, another strong image 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 image, in some form or another, certainly dates back long-long before Christianity. The reason is, that a cross has arms facing in four directions. This could mean the four elements, four navigational directions, and so on. The circle is yet another ancient symbol, associated with perfection, even the ancient Egyptians have used it in their designs.
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.
Related Tags: celtic, celtic cross, irish, celts
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 necklaces. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Home Wall Art: Get Value For Your Money
If you have a beautiful home, it is only natural that you may want to decorate it so as to make it m - Bejeweled by Mens Ring Tiffany
Tiffany & Co. is one of the largest jewelry companies in the USA that has expanded the market in mos - Inexpensive Ideas in Making Wedding Centerpieces
One practical way to cut down the wedding expenses is to consider do-it-yourself ideas. There are se - Preserve Moments With Picture Frames
Of course we don't want our memories to suffer the brink of oblivion that is why we always try hard - For Home Decor, Try Wall Art Prints
In order to make a smaller room look and feel bigger, many home interior decorators will use large w - How to Choose the Right Gift For Your Bridal Party
Your wedding day will likely be shared with friends and family members who mean the world to you. A - Beautiful Baby Shower Napkins
There are many thoughtful and creative things that you can make for your soon-to-be bride friend. Sh - Learn How To Decorate Your Living Space With Abstract Wall Art
Abstract wall art can offer you different ways to decorate or redecorate and express yourself. A lot - Adding Class to Your Home With Wall Art Painting
Since mankind's dawn the wall art painting has been a desired form of decorations. Early cave dwelli - Use Fine Art Oil Painting To Decorate Your Living Space
There are many good things towards buying fine art oil paintings for your home. For example: If one
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Homemade Baby Gifts and Instructions Ideas
A baby shower is a wonderful event that is filled with joy and happiness. Getting a perfect and un - Enter Photo Competitions
A great morale booster is to win or even place in a highly regarded competition. Many professional p - Why I Love Melt And Pour Soap Making
I love making soap using the melt and pour soap making method. In my experience it's the easiest way - How To Do Metal Detecting In Dry Sand?
In general, larger searchcoils will give better depth with larger targets and better ground coverage - How to Face Paint: 5 Things You Must Know Before Getting Started
Learning how to face paint can be easy and lots of fun once you know how. It's a great way to have f - Tips For Metal Detecting
A pulsing current is applied to the coil, which then induces a magnetic field shown in blue. When th - Christmas Soap Making
Since Christmas is almost here, what could be a better gift than Christmas themed hand made soap to - Why Choose a Wine Gift Basket?
A wine gift basket is probably one of the most beautiful gifts that a person is likely to receive. - Create A Metal Detecting Book
Are you purchasing a detector to use occasionally at a lake or beach? Or do you now find yourself wi - Simple Face Painting Designs: Where Can I Find Them?
If you're looking for simple face painting designs, you're not alone. Trying to find simple face pai